By Lawrence Williams
Public sector institutions in Sierra Leone are set to mainstream Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their operational frameworks as part of the government’s broader digital transformation agenda. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation (MoCTI), aims to enhance public service delivery, strengthen evidence-based decision-making, and foster a more data-driven and citizen-centric governance model.
MoCTI announced it has formalized a strategic partnership with Qhala, a Nairobi-based digital tech firm, to co-develop “inclusive and ethical” AI policies, build institutional capacity across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), and strengthen inter-sectoral collaboration.
Hon. Salima Monorma Bah, Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, said the integration of AI into the public sector will empower civil servants to leverage emerging technologies for improved governance outcomes.
“We want our civil service to not only understand AI but to use it meaningfully, Hon. Salima Bah said, adding that, “With Qhala’s support, we are equipping our leaders to govern confidently in a digital age.”
Under the memorandum of understanding (MoU), Qhala will implement targeted capacity-building programmes across government institutions, beginning with an AI Masterclass for policymakers. The training will focus on developing practical competencies in AI literacy, data analytics, and algorithmic governance to ensure that public officials can deploy AI responsibly and in alignment with national development priorities.
Dr. Shikoh Gitau, CEO of Qhala, underscored the importance of ethical and contextualized AI implementation as a catalyst for better governance, stating, “Our collaboration with MoCTI will ensure that policymakers design and deploy AI systems that are ethical, inclusive, and grounded in local realities.”
MoCTI also announced the commencement of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Readiness Assessment, undertaken in collaboration with the World Bank, to evaluate Sierra Leone’s preparedness for AI adoption across three foundational pillars — Compute (digital and data infrastructure), Capacity (human capital, skills, and talent development), and Context (policy, governance, and regulatory frameworks).
According to MoCTI, the assessment will not only diagnose the current state of AI readiness but also identify strategic opportunities and priority areas that will inform the design of a national AI strategy.
MoCTI stated that the study represents a critical milestone in building an ‘inclusive, ethical, and contextually relevant AI ecosystem’ that aligns with the country’s development priorities and positions Sierra Leone as a ‘regional leader in responsible AI adoption.’
“We are not asking how to fit AI into our systems; we are asking which national challenges AI can help us solve today,” Hon. Salima Bah stated.
