AYV News, March 12, 2025
Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh has underscored the pivotal role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology in Sierra Leone’s future, highlighting their potential to drive economic growth, create jobs, and enhance education.
Speaking at a recent event, Sengeh emphasized the global impact of AI and urged Sierra Leone to embrace its transformative power. He referenced the country’s National Innovation and Digital Strategy, launched six years ago, as a foundational step in its digital journey.
“There is no sober-minded and productive country in this world that does not talk about AI,” Sengeh stated, asserting AI’s central role in global progress.
Acknowledging concerns about job displacement, Sengehargued that adapting to AI is crucial for workforce security. “Some say AI will soon remove jobs from people. That’s true, but it’s only someone who doesn’t know how to use it to secure their job that will lose it,” he said, stressing the need for skills development to capitalize on AI’s benefits.
Sengeh also addressed the growing challenge of AI-driven misinformation and disinformation. “When you look at all those misinformation and disinformation messages, they are being recommended by AI,” he warned, calling on lawmakers to ensure AI serves to educate and inform, not deceive. He advocated for local ownership of AI development, stating, “We must make sure that we are the ones who generate the codes and program it for our kids.”
He pointed to TikTok as an example of AI’s economic potential, citing its ability to generate income for users. “TikTok is one of the companies that have mastered AI.”
In his concluding remarks, Sengeh stressed the importance of responsible AI implementation. “We should use AI, but AI should not use us,” he said, emphasizing the need to harness technology for societal good and safeguard Sierra Leone’s future prosperity.
