Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister Dr David Moinina Sengeh, speaking on the Global Africa Business Initiative’s (GABI) Unstoppable Africa 2026 platform in New York, outlined the country’s vision for African countries to have greater ownership of AI, data, and digital infrastructure.
At the two-day event, held alongside the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at the New York Marriott Marquis on September 21, Dr Sengeh argued that Africa must shift from consuming technologies built elsewhere to creating and co-owning the systems that will define the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Dr Sengeh highlighted Sierra Leone’s developing “Country-as-AI-Lab” strategy, championed by President Julius Maada Bio. We aim to build policy frameworks, innovation sandboxes, and strategic alliances to co-create AI solutions that improve government decision-making and the delivery of public services. He cited applications in classrooms, agriculture and other public services where AI created and operated locally could improve effectiveness, inclusion and economic opportunity.
These are part of the government’s broader Big Five Game Changers agenda – Pillar Four – Technology and Infrastructure, the Chief Minister said. “Our goal is to create a more robust digital ecosystem in Sierra Leone, create more space for technological innovation, and make digital infrastructure a key driver of national development,” he said. Dr Sengeh also commended the work of the Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Salima Bah, on “Data Embassies” and joint digital infrastructure initiatives, noting Sierra Leone’s participation in global conversations on Digital Public Goods.
African and international leaders from government, business, and the United Nations discussed trade, investment, economic growth, and sustainable development at Unstoppable Africa 2026. “Sierra Leone’s participation is to forge practical partnerships and harness the skills and investment required to translate the country’s technology and AI ambitions into real solutions that will benefit citizens,” Dr Sengeh said. Sierra Leone’s strategy seeks to position technology and innovation as key drivers of inclusive development and quality public services across the country by promoting co-creation, local capacity, and co-governance of digital systems.
