1. Could you introduce the Direction Générale de l’Économie Numérique and explain its mandate in shaping French Polynesia's digital economy, innovation policy and technological sovereignty?
DGEN is the Department of Digital Economy of French Polynesia. We are primarily responsible for telecommunications regulation and legislation, as well as postal services. Our core mission is to create and enforce laws related to telecoms, but we also play an active role in developing the broader digital sector.
In addition, DGEN oversees support for the audiovisual industry, including cinema and documentary production. So our mandate spans regulation, digital economic development, and fostering creative industries. Ultimately, we aim to strengthen both innovation policy and technological sovereignty in French Polynesia.
2. French Polynesia's geography presents both challenges and opportunities. How can digital transformation help overcome geographic isolation while fostering inclusive economic growth across the archipelago?
Communication is absolutely key in French Polynesia. We have 118 islands, with populations spread across vast ocean distances. The main challenge is connecting everyone.
The government is working toward that goal through fiber-optic cables and satellite solutions, including partnerships with international providers. Economic development here is closely linked to telecommunications development.
We currently have three main telecom operators, and while progress has been strong, connecting remote populations remains a significant challenge. Ensuring that even the most distant Polynesians are connected is one of our top priorities.
3. Digital infrastructure is the backbone of any modern economy. What progress has been made in broadband expansion, submarine cable connectivity and data resilience to ensure reliable and equitable access across all islands?
We have made substantial progress. In the Pacific region, excluding Australia and New Zealand, we are among the best-connected territories. All of our islands have access to fixed and mobile telephony. While some areas still rely on 2G technology, we are rapidly expanding 4G data connectivity.
Our objective is that by next year, all islands will have data access. Achieving 100% coverage immediately is challenging due to geography and dispersed populations, but we are moving quickly.
We already operate two submarine cables and are working on additional projects, including new fiber installations in partnership with Google. These initiatives will significantly improve connectivity and resilience. While our infrastructure is not yet perfect, we expect major improvements in the near term. Reliable internet access will be a decisive factor in strengthening the Polynesian economy.
4. Governments worldwide are transforming public administration through digitalization. How is DGEN advancing the digitalization of government services to improve transparency, efficiency and citizen engagement?
We work closely with another department within the administration, the DSI, which leads the digitalization of public services. DGEN supports them primarily as legal and telecommunications experts.
Our role is also to serve as a bridge between the public and private sectors. While DSI focuses internally on government systems, we engage with private companies and stakeholders to ensure that digital transformation benefits the broader economy. That coordination is essential for effective modernization.
5. Building a vibrant innovation ecosystem is essential for long-term competitiveness. What initiatives are in place to support startups in sectors such as fintech, edtech, govtech and other digital industries?
DGEN provides public subsidies to support digital businesses. In 2026, we plan a major reform and modernization of our subsidy framework to better align it with the needs of the private sector.
We are already supporting companies, but we believe we can do better. The goal is to create a more efficient and targeted system that accelerates innovation and growth in digital industries.
6. Digital skills development is key to empowering the next generation. How is DGEN supporting coding education, workforce upskilling and partnerships with universities and global technology firms?
Digital education is critical. We currently face a shortage of skilled professionals, and some who gain expertise leave French Polynesia to work abroad.
To address this, we have launched a new initiative called Pacific Genius. It will include three major events in 2026 designed to introduce young people to coding, artificial intelligence, and the broader digital world.
The first edition was very successful, and many participants are now pursuing studies in digital fields. Encouraging and retaining local talent is a strategic priority for us.
7. With the rise of remote work and digital nomadism, do you see French Polynesia positioning itself as an attractive destination for global talent and creative industries?
Absolutely. Our time zone creates a “follow-the-sun” dynamic, especially with Europe. When it is night there, it is daytime here. Some companies are already operating under this model.
Our ambition is to expand this dynamic by attracting firms that collaborate internationally while operating from French Polynesia. We are not aiming to replicate massive tech hubs with thousands of employees. Instead, we envision highly qualified engineers and specialized teams working remotely with global partners.
This approach may not generate thousands of jobs, but it will create high-value, highly skilled employment opportunities locally.
8. Given its strategic Pacific location and political stability, how can French Polynesia position itself as a regional digital hub attracting data services, fintech companies and technology-driven investment?
Political stability is indeed a key advantage. It is likely one of the factors that attracted Google’s infrastructure projects to French Polynesia.
Our next step is to further improve connectivity across the islands through new submarine cables and expanded infrastructure. The stronger and more resilient our connectivity, the more attractive we become to foreign companies seeking a stable and strategically located base in the Pacific.
9. Looking ahead, what message would you like to share with readers of the Los Angeles Times about French Polynesia's digital ambitions and its vision for becoming a connected, innovative Pacific economy?
I would encourage readers to come and see French Polynesia, not only for holidays, but to understand its potential as a place to live and work.
We are building a connected and forward-looking digital ecosystem. It is already a wonderful place to visit, and it will increasingly become an excellent place for digital enterprises in the future.
10. Is there anything else you would like to add?
We have spoken extensively about the digital economy, but DGEN also supports the film industry. We recently introduced new subsidies to attract major international productions.
These measures are still new, but they are already generating interest. French Polynesia is not only a growing digital economy, it is also an exceptional location for filmmaking.
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