Government crest Department of Poverty Alleviation
Government of Seychelles

Department of Poverty Alleviation

A national coordination authority focused on improving household wellbeing, strengthening social resilience and supporting evidence-based policy for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.

Core Focus

  • Household wellbeing
  • Living standards monitoring
  • Research and policy development
  • Empowerment and social resilience

Background of the Department

The Office of the Secretary of State for Poverty Alleviation was created in October 2016 following national income and revenue survey findings that highlighted significant levels of poverty in Seychelles.

In January 2018, the Office was transferred under the Ministry for Family Affairs. From 1 February 2019, it became a Department and adopted the abbreviation PovAD. After originally operating from 2016 to 2021, the Department was reinstated following the 2025 general election, with a renewed national commitment to uplift vulnerable households.

The reinstated Department functions within the portfolio of the Vice President and is led by a Secretary of State, supported by a Secretariat and administrative team.

Purpose and Mandate

Household Wellbeing

Improve household wellbeing, particularly among disadvantaged and vulnerable groups.

Research & Evidence

Generate research and evidence to guide social and economic interventions.

Living Standards

Monitor living standards and recommend remedies where gaps or vulnerabilities arise.

The Department focuses on strategic coordination rather than duplication of services, working across ministries, agencies, districts, civil society and relevant authorities.

Core Structure

Family Wellbeing, Living Standards & Social Resilience

Focus: Improving quality of life for families facing poverty, chronic vulnerability or sudden shocks.

  • Evaluate household wellbeing using administrative data, research and case assessments.
  • Propose targeted interventions where living standards are threatened or declining.
  • Support vulnerable groups, including elderly persons, persons with disabilities, single-parent households and low-income families.

Empowerment

Focus: Evidence-based policy-making and capacity building aligned with national and international frameworks.

  • Produce reports, analysis and strategic recommendations.
  • Conduct empowerment sessions and programmes for identified groups.
  • Collaborate with relevant social protection and support entities.
Secretary of State — PovAD
Director General
Principal Consultant
Secretariat
Personal Assistant / Driver / Customer Care
HR & Administration
Director
Wellbeing
Principal Liaison Officer
Empowerment
Principal Programme Officer
Monitoring & Evaluation
Officers
Public Engagement
Officer
Policy & Research responsibilities include: operating performance monitoring tools, supporting a Social Registry and national indicators, conducting research including MPI and SDG evaluations, maintaining poverty-related data, contributing to policy and legislative development, and updating Quality of Life Standards proposals.

Role of the Secretary of State

  • Provide political and strategic direction.
  • Lead agenda-setting and strategic discussions.
  • Coordinate inter-ministerial and inter-agency action on poverty.
  • Ensure alignment of research, monitoring and policy intervention.

Strategic Value

National Coordination

Central coordination at high level to sustain a coherent national response.

Evidence-Driven Policy

Use research and data to support better targeted programmes and interventions.

Social Inclusion

Monitor vulnerability and maintain focus on disadvantaged groups to strengthen equity.

Contact Us

Department of Poverty Alleviation

For enquiries or further information, please contact the Department by email.

Email: dgpovad@gov.sc

Concluding Note

The Department of Poverty Alleviation combines evidence-driven policy with targeted support for vulnerable households. It operates as a national coordination authority, rather than a direct service-delivery unit, to advance national wellbeing and social equity.