Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 5th February 2026 – Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, opened the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Forum at the World Governments Summit in Dubai with a bold message: technology must serve people first.
Rather than presenting AI as a futuristic luxury, Dr. Sengeh positioned Sierra Leone as proof that digital transformation can directly tackle everyday challenges, education, healthcare, food security, and financial inclusion.
Highlighting President Julius Maada Bio’s “Big 5” agenda, Dr. Sengeh noted that Sierra Leone has achieved nearly 100% 3G coverage, 90% 4G penetration, and full fiber connectivity in major cities like Freetown. But he stressed that the real story lies beyond the numbers:
Financial inclusion doubled in just five years, with more women gaining access to banking and credit thanks to AI-driven solutions. Maternal mortality dropped by 80% over the last decade, aided by digital tools supporting pregnant mothers and healthcare providers. Education technology now connects teachers to students nationwide, while parents are empowered to participate in their children’s learning.
Dr. Sengeh also spotlighted Sierra Leone’s innovative use of drones and satellite imagery. Fertilizer drones are being tested to boost farm productivity, while satellite data informs environmental policies. These efforts, he argued, show that technology investments can yield immediate returns for citizens.
Importantly, the Chief Minister emphasized that Sierra Leone’s AI journey is not driven solely by government. Young innovators, especially women, are shaping the future. He cited Mama Yokie of the Kamara Yokie Innovation Center as an example of how grassroots creativity is redefining AI for classrooms in remote schools.
As both Chief Minister and Chief Innovation Officer, Dr. Sengeh underscored his philosophy of “radical inclusion.” Technology, he said, must close gaps between the privileged and the marginalized:
“AI should help teachers reach the students who need it most, not just those who already have the most.”
Dr. Sengeh concluded by inviting global and local partners to join Sierra Leone’s digital transformation drive. Collaboration, he argued, is essential to ensure that AI builds a more just, equitable society, one where innovation is measured not by profit margins, but by human progress.
