The Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh has used the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) Unstoppable Africa 2026 platform to advance Sierra Leone’s vision for greater African ownership of artificial intelligence, data and digital infrastructure, positioning technology and innovation as critical drivers of improved public service delivery and inclusive economic development. Speaking at the high-level gathering in New York City, Dr. Sengeh called for Africa to move from being primarily a user of technologies developed elsewhere to becoming a creator and co-owner of the systems shaping the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He highlighted Sierra Leone’s emerging “Country-as-AI-Lab” approach under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, which seeks to develop policy frameworks, innovation sandboxes and partnerships to co-create AI solutions that can strengthen decision-making and service delivery across government, classrooms and agriculture.
The engagement forms part of Sierra Leone’s broader efforts to advance Pillar Four of the Government’s Big Five Game Changers — Technology and Infrastructure — by strengthening the country’s digital ecosystem, expanding opportunities for technological innovation and positioning digital infrastructure as an enabler of national development. Dr. Sengeh also highlighted Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation Salima Bah’s work on “Data Embassies” and joint digital infrastructure, alongside Sierra Leone’s engagement in global discussions on Digital Public Goods. The two-day GABI Unstoppable Africa 2026, held on September 20–21 at the Marriott Marquis in New York alongside the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, brought together African and global leaders from government, business, investment and the United Nations to explore opportunities for trade, investment, economic growth and sustainable development. Sierra Leone’s participation provides an avenue to build partnerships and mobilise expertise and investment that can translate the country’s technology and AI ambitions into practical solutions that improve delivery for citizens and support the implementation of the Big Five Game Changers
