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At the World Bank Digital Summit 2025, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Communication, Technology, and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah, participated in a panel discussion titled “AI Shaping Our Future World,” where she highlighted Sierra Leone’s efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into its national development strategy.
Minister Bah detailed the work of the Directorate of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI) in developing the National Innovation and Digital Strategy (NIDS), which aims to establish Sierra Leone as a regional AI hub. She emphasized the potential of AI to enhance governance through data-driven policy development and improved service delivery.
During the panel, Minister Bah cited projections indicating that AI could contribute $2.9 trillion to Africa’s economy by 2030. She also showcased existing AI initiatives in Sierra Leone, including the Education Data Hub and AI-powered malaria detection projects in healthcare.
The Minister called for responsible AI governance, the formulation of a comprehensive AI strategy, and increased digital literacy to ensure equitable access to AI technologies. She stressed the importance of AI adoption in sectors like healthcare and agriculture to stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities.
Minister Bah concluded her remarks by urging decision-makers to invest in AI education and infrastructure to prepare Africa for a sustainable, AI-driven future.
The panel also included Wencai Zhang, Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer of the World Bank, Ravi Chaturvedi, Managing Director of The Digital Planet at Tufts University, Nelly Wilson, Global Head of AI at Google Weather and Climate, and Erdem Erkul, Chairman of Cerebrum Technologies.
