President Dr Patrick Herminie has highlighted the importance of inclusive digital transformation, infrastructure, energy, continental integration and innovation in shaping Africa’s future, as he addressed the Forward Africa Leaders Symposium (FALS) Global Conversations in New York, contributing Seychelles’ perspective to the global conversation on Africa’s digital and economic future.
Held at the Harvard Club of New York on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, the symposium formed part of a series of high-level engagements convened and supported by the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), the premier governance institution of the African Union, with AU Member States and international partners during the UN General Assembly’s 81st High-Level Week. It brought together political leaders, representatives of the World Bank, development finance institutions, the private sector and continental institutions, including representatives working on infrastructure and energy within the African Union.
The discussions were held under the theme “Building the Next Frontier of Africa’s Digital Economy,” bringing together perspectives on how digital transformation, infrastructure, investment, energy and continental integration can contribute to Africa’s economic development.
The gathering also brought together H.E. Ambassador Marie-Antoinette Rose Quatre, CEO of the APRM Continental Secretariat, and H.E. Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission.
In his intervention, President Herminie said Africa’s next digital frontier must be built at the intersection of infrastructure, energy, integration and innovation, stressing that these elements can no longer be treated separately. He pointed to Africa’s growing adoption of digital financial services and continental payment systems as examples of how innovation can support economic integration.
He also stressed that digital transformation must be backed by reliable infrastructure and energy, noting that millions of Africans remain without access to electricity and connectivity. He called for stronger links between energy, digital infrastructure, national systems and continental markets, with governments, continental institutions, development finance institutions and the private sector working together to mobilise investment and drive innovation.
Speaking from the perspective of Seychelles as a Small Island Developing State, President Herminie highlighted the importance of connectivity and market access in overcoming the limitations of distance and scale. He pointed to Seychelles’ progress in digital government and digital payments, as well as the licensing of Starlink, as examples of how technology can expand opportunities for communities across the country’s 115 islands.
The President also highlighted the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), noting that digital platforms, efficient customs systems and reliable infrastructure are essential to enabling African businesses to participate more effectively in continental markets.
In her contribution, Ambassador Rose Quatre highlighted the changing relationship between technology, employment and Africa’s growing population. She noted that digital technologies are creating new opportunities, including through remote work, while advances in artificial intelligence are also reshaping labour markets. She stressed the need for investment in education, healthcare, infrastructure, skills and economic opportunities to ensure that Africa’s demographic growth translates into sustainable development.
Ambassador Haddadi also addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of bringing together political leadership, continental institutions, development finance and the private sector to advance Africa’s economic transformation.
The event concluded with two panel discussions exploring the opportunities and challenges shaping Africa’s digital transformation. The first Panel featured Seychelles’ Minister for Finance, National Planning and Trade, Mr Pierre Laporte. The second panel featured Mr Jean-Paul Adam, representing the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and continued discussions on Africa’s digital development and economic transformation.