Caroline Abel

Caroline Abel
Born	c. 1972 Anse Boileau, Mahé, Seychelles
Occupation	Economist
Years active	1994–present
Known for	First female Governor of the Central Bank of Seychelles

Caroline Abel (born around 1972) is an economist from Seychelles who made history in 2012 by becoming the first woman to be appointed as Governor of the Central Bank of Seychelles.

Early life and education

Abel hails from Anse Boileau, located on Mahé island in Seychelles. She is the daughter of Antoine Abel, recognized as the country's pioneering playwright. She completed her undergraduate studies in Economics at the University of Leeds and later obtained a Master's degree specializing in monetary economics from the University of Glasgow.

Career

Starting her professional journey in April 1994, Abel took on the role of senior bank clerk at the Central Bank of Seychelles. Over time, she progressed through multiple positions within the institution and was appointed Deputy Governor in July 2010. On 14 March 2012, she replaced Pierre Laporte as Governor, becoming the first woman to occupy this role in the bank’s history.

Publications

• Central Bank Independence in a Small Open Economy: The Case of Seychelles (2009)

Recognitions

During the 6th African Business Leadership Forum and Awards, Abel was honored with a special Commendation Award from the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus and also earned the title of African Female Public Servant of the Year by African Leadership Magazine.