By: Nana Appiah
Acquaye
Sierra
Leone’s Chief Minister and Chief Innovation Officer, David Moinina Sengeh, has
called for stronger investment in education and inclusive leadership to
navigate global challenges and shape the responsible use of artificial
intelligence.
Speaking
as keynote speaker at the Yidan Prize Africa Conference in Dakar, Sengeh said
the world is facing unprecedented political, environmental and technological
shifts, including rising global conflicts, climate-related crises, demographic
growth and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence.
He
stressed that addressing these challenges requires visionary leadership that
prioritises inclusivity and ensures equal access to opportunities regardless of
background. He added that leaders must combine scientific understanding,
technological awareness and strong execution capacity to deliver meaningful
change for citizens.
Sengeh
further highlighted artificial intelligence as a key driver of future
transformation, noting its potential to improve service delivery and advance
equity if guided responsibly. He called for collaborative efforts to ensure AI
contributes to more inclusive and effective governance systems.
The
Chief Minister also underscored the importance of sustained investment in
education, describing it as a critical foundation for long-term economic
growth, democratic stability and human development rather than a cost burden.
He
referenced developments in language-focused education research recognised by
the Yidan Prize, noting that locally driven innovation in education systems
demonstrates the value of long-term collaboration between governments,
researchers and communities.
Sengeh
concluded that the future of education and artificial intelligence must be
shaped collectively to ensure equitable outcomes and sustainable development
across societies.
