Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, has outlined the country’s vision for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital innovation during a high-level panel discussion on AI sovereignty at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute in Rome.
The discussion formed part of the FII PRIORITY Europe 2026 Summit, which brought together global leaders, policymakers, investors, and technology experts to explore innovation-driven solutions to global development challenges.
Speaking on Sierra Leone’s transformation agenda, Dr. Sengeh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to positioning the country as an “Innovation Nation” through strategic investments in technology and human capital development.
He referenced the National Innovation and Digital Strategy launched in 2019 under President Julius Maada Bio, which promotes the use of technology to improve public services and empower young people.
Dr. Sengeh explained that Sierra Leone’s approach to AI sovereignty focuses on practical applications of technology to improve citizens’ lives rather than large-scale infrastructure development alone.
He highlighted the use of AI in healthcare, including systems that supported the equitable distribution of medical resources during the COVID-19 pandemic and current tools that assist in diagnostics and maternal and child health.
In education, he pointed to AI-supported learning tools that have improved classroom performance in mathematics, including pilot projects conducted with international partners.
He also cited developments in the energy sector, where AI is being used in partnership with renewable energy initiatives to improve data analysis and expand access to clean energy.
According to the Chief Minister, these initiatives align with the government’s Big Five Game Changers, particularly in human capital development, technology, youth employment, and economic diversification.
The panel underscored the growing importance of artificial intelligence in shaping inclusive economic growth and strengthening national development strategies across countries.
