Sierra Leone took a bold step into the future, we call it ( Sierra Leone AI readiness) . The government, working with the World Bank, launched a National AI Readiness Assessment, a big check-up to see if the country is ready to use artificial intelligence.
But here’s the twist: Sierra Leone isn’t chasing AI just because it’s trendy. The plan is to use AI to fix real problems, like improving healthcare, boosting education, and supporting farmers. And if things go well, the country wants to be West Africa’s AI hub by 2030.
The Real Problem: Internet Gaps Everywhere
Let’s gist. Almost everyone in Sierra Leone has a phone, 8.66 million mobile connections in a country of 8.7 million people. But only 1.8 million actually use the internet.
That means many people can call or text, but can’t stream classes, run online businesses, or even use AI apps. If AI comes into play without solving this gap, the rich get richer while the poor are left behind.
That’s why this AI readiness check is so important, it’s like asking: “Do we even have the basics before diving into AI?”
How the AI Readiness Check Works
The World Bank and Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Communication, Technology, and Innovation (MoCTI) designed the test around three pillars:
1. Compute (Infrastructure)
Do we have the internet, data centers, and electricity to power AI?
– Problem: only 20% internet access and unstable energy supply.
2. Capacity (Skills & People)
Do we have the brains and skills to build and use AI tools?
– Problem: very few AI experts, most training happens only in the capital.
3. Context (Policy & Ethics)
Do we have laws, ethics, and policies to guide AI use?
– Problem: weak regulations, risk of bias, no strong data protection yet.
Think of it like building a house: if the foundation is shaky, the roof (AI apps) will collapse.
Purpose-Driven AI
During the launch, Minister Salima Monorma Bah made it clear:
“We are not asking how to fit AI into our systems; we are asking which national challenges AI can help us solve today.”
That’s the mindset. Instead of creating random AI apps, Sierra Leone wants AI to:
- Predict disease outbreaks before they spread.
- Train teachers and support students with digital learning.
- Help farmers get better yields through AI farming tools.
- Make government services faster and more transparent.
The Gist in 4 Quick Points
- First country in Africa to run a full AI readiness test with the World Bank.
- Backed by a $50 million digital transformation project.
- Focused on 3 pillars: Compute, Capacity, Context.
- Goal: become West Africa’s AI hub by 2030.
Why You Should Care
This move isn’t just for Freetown elites, it affects everyday Sierra Leoneans.
Imagine:
- Farmers are using AI weather tools to protect crops.
- Students in remote towns are learning from AI tutors.
- Doctors are using AI to spot diseases early.
- Startups in Sierra Leone are pulling global investors.
And for West Africa? It means more competition and collaboration with Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria on the AI front.
The Road Ahead
Yes, the dream is big, but challenges remain:
- Energy blackouts could block progress.
- Weak privacy laws may scare investors.
- Skills gap is wide, rural areas risk being left behind.
But if Sierra Leone pulls this off, it could leapfrog traditional development stages and set a new example for Africa, AI for people, not just profits.
A Leapfrog Moment
Sierra Leone’s AI readiness push isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about asking: “How can AI solve today’s problems?” If the plan holds, don’t be shocked when by 2030, Freetown sits at the same table as Accra and Nairobi, as one of Africa’s AI powerhouses.
