The inaugural Southern and Eastern Africa Chief Justices’ Forum (SEACJF) Leadership Training took place in Seychelles, bringing together the region’s most senior judicial leaders to examine how innovation and technology can strengthen the delivery of justice, while preserving the essential human element at the heart of judicial decision-making.
Hosted by the Judiciary of Seychelles, the Forum convened Chief Justices from across the region to engage in high-level discussions under the theme “Judicial Leadership and Innovation”. The platform is designed to encourage the exchange of insights, promote regional collaboration, and equip judicial leaders with practical tools to modernise court systems in response to increasing caseloads and evolving public expectations.
Discussions over the two-day programme on Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 April 2026 have focused on translating innovation into practical action. Sessions explored how judiciaries can adopt new technologies, improve service delivery, and build institutional frameworks that support long-term transformation.
A key highlight of the Forum was a presentation by Justice Kwek Mean Luck, who led an in-depth session on the use of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in courts. Drawing from Singapore’s experience, widely regarded as one of the most advanced in judicial digitisation, he demonstrated how AI is already being used to generate case summaries and improve public access through user-friendly online platforms.
At the same time, Justice Kwek emphasised the need for a balanced approach. While technology can enhance efficiency, it cannot replace judicial reasoning. He stressed that “human judges” remain essential, particularly in cases where legal precedent alone cannot capture the full context of a matter. AI, he noted, should serve as a support tool rather than a substitute for judicial decision-making.
The session also addressed key risks associated with AI, including algorithmic bias, data accuracy, and the importance of properly training systems using reliable and jurisdiction-specific information. He cautioned against over-reliance on external technology providers, highlighting potential challenges such as cost dependency and limited control over systems. The importance of fact-checking and maintaining oversight in an increasingly digital environment was also underscored.
Earlier sessions featured contributions from Mr. Mohammed Jalees, who guided Chief Justices through practical perspectives on innovation within the public sector, and Ron Chari, who facilitated discussions on driving institutional transformation. The Forum was moderated by Mr. Sangwani Nyimbiri and Ms. Lerato Mbele, both of whom brought valuable expertise in legal and global policy dialogue.
The sessions concluded with a gesture of appreciation from Chief Justice Rony Govinden, who presented souvenir tokens to the visiting Chief Justices as a lasting reminder of their time in Seychelles.
The Chandler Judicial Forum is a joint initiative of the Southern and Eastern Africa Chief Justices’ Forum and the Chandler Institute of Justice, developed in collaboration with the Singapore Judicial College. The Forum marks the beginning of a sustained partnership aimed at strengthening judicial leadership and fostering innovation across the region.
As judiciaries continue to navigate increasing demands and complexity, this initiative reinforces a shared commitment: to embrace innovation thoughtfully, while ensuring that justice remains firmly grounded in human judgement, integrity, and the rule of law.