SKA’s FIA membership marks a significant step forward, granting access to international standards, FIA resources, and opportunities to cultivate local talent. The association remains committed to expanding motorsport by making karting more accessible and encouraging broader participation.

A Policy Change Driven by SKA’s Advocacy

The decision to remove import taxes on karts follows persistent advocacy efforts by SKA, which worked closely with the Ministry of Finance, National Planning, and Trade to highlight the financial barriers hindering grassroots motorsport.

“This has been a long-time conversation, but in 2024, we gained momentum through our ‘Come Karting’ Arrive & Drive campaign. By increasing public awareness and mobilising internal lobbyists, we presented the challenges, cost impact, and long-term benefits of tax exemptions for grassroots motorsport, particularly for youth development,” explains Liza Rene-Crosgow, President of SKA.

On 19 February, during a Cabinet meeting led by President Wavel Ramkalawan, the government approved the removal of all import taxes on karts, with VAT exemptions facilitated through the National Sports Council (NSC). Additionally, an amendment to S.I. 113 of 2022, the Customs Management (Tariff and Classification of Goods) Regulations, was endorsed to establish a dedicated national classification for karts, ensuring a structured and sustainable framework for the sport’s growth.

FIA Vice President for Sport Africa, Rodrigo Ferreira Rocha, welcomed the decision, emphasising its significance for the region: “This policy sets a crucial precedent for the development of motorsport across Africa. By eliminating financial barriers to karting, the government is fostering a more inclusive and sustainable environment for young drivers to enter and progress in the sport. This initiative strongly aligns with the FIA’s vision of expanding motorsport participation and accessibility worldwide.”

Impact on Youth Development and Future Growth

The tax exemption is expected to have immediate and long-term benefits for motorsport in Seychelles.

“In the short term, this decision will directly support young drivers preparing for the African Motorsport Competitions in August, as some are currently in the process of importing their own karts. The cost reduction will significantly ease this process,” said Rene-Crosgow. “Looking ahead, the policy change will make karting more affordable, encouraging growth beyond sprint racing into endurance racing, slalom, and other karting disciplines. This expansion will ultimately attract more members and stimulate private kart ownership.”

Currently, 75% of SKA’s members are between 10 and 21 years old, with 20 drivers under the age of 18. The association expects to welcome about 20 new drivers into its academy program starting in March 2025. Additionally, a group of five youth under 16 years old is vying for three to four spots in international competitions, particularly the African Motorsport Competitions. The changes in customs taxes will play a crucial role in developing a structured 2-stroke karting pathway for Seychelles' young drivers.

Building a Strong Motorsport Foundation

Founded in 1993, SKA has been pivotal in making motorsport accessible in Seychelles. 

“We have always aimed to make motorsport feasible for our small island nation. Our format has been primarily Arrive & Drive to ensure accessibility, but we have steadily expanded to include junior, cadet, and academy programs. More recently, we introduced adult-sized karts and now operate seven categories, alongside a privately owned 2-stroke KF2 class,” said Rene-Crosgow. “Despite geographical challenges, our focus on affordability and accessibility has made us the only legal motorsport body in Seychelles. Now, with FIA affiliation, the potential to expand beyond karting is a real possibility.”

Encouraging Youth Participation and Future Aspirations

To further engage youth in motorsport, SKA is launching several initiatives:

• A 2-Stroke Training Academy with a long-term vision to establish a structured 2-stroke racing pathway by 2026.
• Plans to introduce a Bambino Class, investing in cub karts to allow children as young as five years old to participate.
• A strong focus on developing grassroots karting, expanding opportunities beyond sprint racing to include endurance racing, slalom, and other accessible karting disciplines. 
• Enhanced media coverage and public engagement through local TV sports programming and forums on motorsport’s role in road safety.
• A potential Motorsport Games-style competition among schools and universities to attract younger participants.

“This year, taking our first group of young drivers to Africa will serve as a key milestone in inspiring more youth to take on bigger challenges. We need to provide avenues for them to aspire beyond karting and into race car driving,” Rene-Crosgow added.

Key Collaboration with the Government and NSC

The success of this policy change is rooted in a collaborative effort between SKA, the National Sports Council (NSC), and government authorities.

“We faced several roadblocks along the way, but the support from the Land Transport representative and NSC helped us re-engage with the Ministry of Finance last year. The push this time was more intense, with FIA affiliation serving as a key motivator,” Rene-Crosgow shared. “It is a proud moment for the sport in Seychelles. We now have the means to equip our youth with the right tools to compete internationally and continue growing motorsport locally.”