Seychelles Targets 2,900 New Jobs Through Productivity Overhaul

Seychelles could boost its GDP by 13% and create 2,900 new jobs by 2040, provided the government implements a sweeping productivity reform package. A new World Bank report suggests that by modernizing labor rules, upgrading digital infrastructure, and refining workforce skills, the nation can raise real wages by nearly 8%.

Editorial·September 17, 2026·reads: 1,065

Seychelles Targets 2,900 New Jobs Through Productivity Overhaul

Despite holding Africa's highest income per capita, the island nation faces mounting pressure from an aging population and a widening skills gap. Finance Minister Pierre Laporte emphasized that these reforms are essential to maintain competitiveness and offer meaningful career paths for the country’s youth. The proposed strategy hinges on three pillars: removing barriers to trade and investment, aligning education with employer needs, and expanding digital access.

Fily Sissoko, World Bank division director, noted that the transition requires a coordinated approach rather than isolated policy shifts. By streamlining commercial justice and reducing the costs of doing business, the government aims to foster a more resilient private sector. While these changes necessitate initial investment, the report projects that the long-term gains in household purchasing power and economic stability far outweigh the upfront costs of modernization.