NEW YORK, Sept. 22, 2026 (XOL Africa) — Seychelles President Patrick Herminie has called for greater investment in digital infrastructure, energy, connectivity and innovation as African countries seek to expand their digital economies and deepen continental integration.
Herminie made the remarks at the Forward Africa Leaders Symposium Global Conversations in New York, held alongside the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The symposium, convened with support from the African Peer Review Mechanism, brought together African political leaders, development finance institutions, private-sector representatives and officials from continental institutions to discuss the future of Africa’s digital economy.
The discussions focused on the theme “Building the Next Frontier of Africa’s Digital Economy,” examining how digital transformation, infrastructure, energy and investment can support economic development.
Herminie said Africa’s digital transformation could not be separated from the infrastructure and energy systems needed to support it.
“Africa’s next digital frontier must be built at the intersection of infrastructure, energy, integration and innovation,” he said, according to the Seychelles State House.
The president pointed to the expansion of digital financial services and continental payment systems as examples of how technology can support economic integration.
But he also stressed that digital services require reliable electricity and connectivity, noting that millions of Africans remain without access to either.
Herminie called for closer coordination between governments, African institutions, development finance institutions and private investors to mobilise capital for energy and digital infrastructure.
Seychelles highlights connectivity challenge
Speaking from the perspective of Seychelles, a Small Island Developing State made up of 115 islands, Herminie said connectivity and access to markets were particularly important for overcoming geographical and economic constraints.
He cited Seychelles’ development of digital government services and digital payments, along with the licensing of Starlink, as examples of how technology can expand access to services and economic opportunities across the island nation.
Herminie also highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area, saying digital platforms, efficient customs systems and reliable infrastructure would be important for enabling businesses to participate more effectively in continental markets.
The discussions also examined the impact of technology on Africa’s labor markets as the continent’s population continues to grow.
Ambassador Marie-Antoinette Rose Quatre, chief executive of the APRM Continental Secretariat, said digital technologies were creating new employment opportunities, including through remote work, while artificial intelligence was changing the nature of work.
She stressed the need for investment in education, healthcare, infrastructure, skills and economic opportunities to ensure demographic growth translates into sustainable development.
African Union Commission Deputy Chairperson Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi also addressed the gathering, emphasizing cooperation among political leaders, continental institutions, development finance institutions and the private sector.
The event included two panel discussions on Africa’s digital transformation. Seychelles Finance, National Planning and Trade Minister Pierre Laporte participated in the first panel, while Jean-Paul Adam of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa took part in the second.
The discussions placed digital infrastructure, energy access and continental market integration at the center of efforts to expand Africa’s digital economy and support broader economic transformation.
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