Brief
Seychelles finance minister outlines sustainable growth plan and investment focus
Pierre Frank Laporte, appointed in November 2025, sets out priorities for private‑investment‑led growth, human‑capital development and renewable energy.
By Felo News Desk · Published
In an interview published on 10 October 2026, Seychelles' Finance Minister Pierre Frank Laporte outlined his vision for a sustainable, investment‑friendly economy. Laporte, who returned to the finance portfolio in November 2025 after stints at the World Bank, IMF and as central bank governor, said the government aims to balance long‑term development with macro‑economic stability.
What happened
Laporte explained that the government’s agenda focuses on three pillars: a strong human‑capital base, a modern efficient ecosystem and robust infrastructure backed by an ICT backbone. He said the health and education systems will be reviewed to improve human capital, while agencies such as the Investment Bureau and the Registrar will be streamlined to make dealing with the government faster and more modern.
What the reports add
The interview emphasises that Seychelles, the only African nation classified as high‑income, must not rest on that status. Laporte highlighted the need to modernise infrastructure, integrate artificial intelligence across sectors and increase renewable‑energy production – currently only 5 % of the country’s energy comes from renewables. He also identified four sectors with immediate investment potential: tourism, fisheries, real estate and energy.
What was said
"This broader experience puts me in a better position to work with colleagues across sectors and understand their issues," Laporte told Gulf News. He added, "We want a modern economy built on strong macroeconomic foundations, driven by private investment, to grow employment and incomes so that everyone shares in the country’s prosperity." Regarding tourism, he said it must remain the leading sector while balancing high‑value visitor numbers with volume. On fisheries, he welcomed private partners to work with Seychellois investors. He noted that investors from the Gulf, Europe and elsewhere are already active in real‑estate projects.
How it came about
Laporte’s policy direction follows recent government initiatives, including Vice President Sebastien Pillay’s push for deeper UAE cooperation on infrastructure, education and health, and the broader push for digital development across the islands. The finance minister’s emphasis on AI, ICT and renewable energy aligns with Seychelles’ ambition to diversify beyond tourism and strengthen its high‑income status.
Key facts
- Pierre Frank Laporte became finance minister in November 2025. (gulfnews.com)
- Seychelles currently generates only 5% of its energy from renewable sources. (gulfnews.com)
- Laporte identified tourism, fisheries, real estate and energy as priority investment sectors. (gulfnews.com)
- The finance minister plans to modernise the Investment Bureau and the Registrar to speed up investor dealings. (gulfnews.com)
- Laporte aims to integrate AI across health, education, government systems and investment opportunities. (gulfnews.com)
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “Seychelles' Finance Minister outlines vision for sustainable growth, investment opportunities”
