The Trade and Investment team within the St Helena Government (SHG) manages the Approved Investor Scheme (AIS), which offers duty relief incentives to businesses investing in St Helena. The scheme aims to attract sustainable investments, create local jobs, reduce import dependence, and enhance local products and services.
This financial year, the Approved Investor Committee (AIC) has approved six new investors, with more expected soon. These investors have committed approximately £770,000 in financial investment. Of this amount, £495,000 will be spent on imported capital expenditures (CAPEX), while the remainder will go to local contractors and service providers on the island.
Among the approved investors are a mix of local and international enterprises across various targeted sectors:
Leaf Space is a ground segment as a service company supporting satellites and space launch vehicles by enabling radio frequency communication between ground operators and their space assets. With St Helena's operational fiber optic cable, Leaf Space can expand its antenna network to include St Helena.
Growspace is set to launch St Helena's first indoor organic mushroom farm, providing a variety of freshly grown mushrooms. The farm is expected to start sales in the first half of 2025.
Island Packers, an American family-run business, has partnered locally to offer adventure sports equipment rentals and online guides. The rental equipment will include high-end mountain bikes and sea kayaks.
Moonbeams recently purchased Printech and has begun importing new printing equipment to replace outdated infrastructure. They plan to purchase additional printers to broaden their range of services for customers who prefer locally printed materials over imports.
With increased demand for serviced rooms during peak periods, duty relief was granted for additional tourist accommodation. Harkate guest house owners are restoring Perry’s cottage near Gordons Post for short-term rental availability in 2025.
Minister Mark Brooks stated: “It is very encouraging to see the AIS continuing to support both local and international investors and even more pleasing to see so many of the Sustainable Economic Development Strategy (SEDS) targeted sectors receiving backing. Great work by the Economic Development team and we look forward to providing more updates during 2025.”
For further information about starting or expanding a business venture under the AIS scheme, interested parties can contact Michael Ormrod at +290 22470 or via email at invest@sainthelena.gov.sh.
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