Sébastien Pillay Participates in Africa-France Partnership Discussions

Vice President Sébastien Pillay reaffirmed Seychelles’ commitment to discussions on partnerships and investment opportunities for the continent. He is currently participating in the “Africa Forward 2026” summit in Nairobi, Kenya, co-hosted by Kenya and France from May 11-12, 2026.

Under the theme “Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth,” this meeting brings together African heads of state, investors, businesses, international financial institutions, and stakeholders in youth and innovation. Several key topics are at the heart of the discussions, including trade, investment, infrastructure, artificial intelligence, clean energy, agriculture, finance, debt reform, and climate-related issues.

The discussions also highlighted how African countries are perceived by international financial markets. Many are still considered high-risk areas, making it more difficult for them to access financing and hindering certain development projects.

In this context, the Vice President of Seychelles spoke at a session dedicated to the energy transition and green industrialization. He called for more “affordable and predictive” climate finance, especially for small island developing states.

The official explained that, for these countries, the energy transition is not a choice, but a necessity for survival in the face of the effects of climate change. He also warned that without rapid efforts to reduce emissions and develop renewable energy, the goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C will be difficult to achieve.

The Vice President proposed three priorities: modernizing energy infrastructure, facilitating access to private investment through clear regulations, and strengthening cooperation among island countries to share technologies and innovations.

Finally, this framework stressed the need to reform the global financial system by integrating the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI), in order to better support the most fragile states in the face of economic and climate challenges.