Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio urged African countries to avoid repeating historical economic patterns in the emerging artificial intelligence (AI) era, cautioning against exporting raw materials and importing value. President Bio stated, "For generations, we have exported raw materials and imported much of the value created from them. We should be careful not to do the same thing with data." He emphasized that Africa must not reproduce the extractive patterns associated with previous economic eras, a critical warning as the continent navigates the complexities and opportunities presented by AI. This call to action noted the need for a strategic shift in how Africa engages with global technological advancements.
President Bio advocated for a different approach, stating, "We have another choice. We can build what we can build ourselves, work together where scale is necessary, protect what is sovereign, and engage the rest of the world on terms that reflect our interests." He noted the practical applications of AI, asking, "Can a farmer get better information about his crops? Can a health worker make a better-informed decision? Can a teacher use these tools to help a child learn?" These questions showed the potential for AI to drive tangible improvements in essential sectors across the continent. President Bio asserted that "the principle is simple: sovereignty should travel with the law, not simply with the building," and expressed belief in "beginning work among interested African countries on a practical framework for shared AI sovereignty." He added, "So, what we discuss here in New York as principle, let us begin testing in Freetown as practice." This statement emphasized the importance of translating theoretical discussions into concrete actions on the ground. President Bio concluded, "Our generation inherited an Africa whose raw materials too often created greater prosperity elsewhere than they did at home. We should not leave the next generation an Africa whose data, knowledge and intelligence do the same," adding that "that is the kind of shared sovereignty Sierra Leone is ready to pursue with you."
Africa's AI Opportunity and Risks
Africa, while home to roughly one-fifth of humanity, accounts for only a fraction of global data-centre capacity, a disparity that presents both challenges and opportunities in the age of artificial intelligence. This imbalance shows the urgent need for investment in digital infrastructure across the continent. The continent's vast mineral resources are expected to play a critical role in powering the infrastructure necessary for AI development worldwide, positioning Africa as a key player in the global AI supply chain. Concurrently, African populations will generate significant data, which is essential for training and evolving AI systems, making the continent an invaluable source of diverse and representative data for AI models. This dual role — as a source of essential raw materials and a generator of key data — places Africa at a key juncture in the AI revolution.
Sierra Leone has emphasized that its AI solutions must be specifically adapted to local realities. This includes ensuring that AI applications are functional on mobile devices, which are the primary means of digital access for many Africans. These solutions must be able to operate effectively in low-bandwidth environments, a common challenge in many parts of the continent, and possess the capability to understand diverse African languages and cultural contexts to ensure inclusivity and relevance. President Julius Maada Bio further disclosed that Sierra Leone has been actively exploring the concept of regional data embassies. These initiatives aim to address the unique requirements and leverage the potential of AI across the continent, fostering a collaborative approach to data governance and technological advancement.
Investing in Local Capacity
President Julius Maada Bio delivered his statement on Monday at a high-level roundtable on Artificial Intelligence. The event was convened by Kenyan President William Ruto on the margins of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York, providing a prominent international platform for Africa's perspective on AI. Sierra Leone is currently developing its inaugural national AI strategy, a project supported by the World Bank Group. This initiative aims to establish a full framework for AI development within the country, ensuring that the technology serves national development goals. The objective behind these efforts, according to President Bio's administration, is to facilitate Africa's participation in a greater portion of the AI value chain. This goal is encapsulated in the phrase "moving from mine to model," reflecting a desire to transition beyond raw material extraction to advanced technological development and innovation. This strategic shift is key for Africa to secure its economic future in the AI era and avoid merely being a supplier of resources for others' technological advancement.
Shaping AI Governance
President Julius Maada Bio urged African countries to engage actively in shaping the rules governing artificial intelligence, cautioning against waiting until major decisions have already been made by other global powers. This proactive stance is vital to ensure that Africa's interests and values are embedded in the foundational principles of global AI governance. He stated that Africa’s future in the AI era should be defined by cooperation without surrendering agency, emphasizing the importance of collective action while maintaining national and regional autonomy. President Bio called for greater investment in African talent, research institutions, languages, datasets, and innovation ecosystems, recognizing these as critical pillars for building indigenous AI capabilities. He also emphasized the need for strong protection for citizens’ privacy and rights within this framework, ensuring that technological progress does not come at the expense of human dignity and fundamental freedoms.
To further these discussions and foster continental collaboration, President Bio invited governments, investors, and businesses to continue the conversation in Sierra Leone during the inaugural West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS). This significant event is scheduled to take place from November 17 to 18, 2026. Digital transformation will be one of the Summit’s four pillars, reflecting the emphasis on AI and technological advancement across the region. This summit aims to bring together key stakeholders to strategize on how West Africa can collectively harness AI for sustainable development, economic growth, and improved quality of life for its citizens. The invitation shows Sierra Leone's commitment to leading regional efforts in AI strategy and implementation.