Government Partners with Qhala to Boost AI Adoption Across Sierra Leone’s Civil Service
This partnership will help demystify AI for the civil service and support public officials to use AI tools in their daily work.
The Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Qhala, a leading digital transformation company based in Nairobi, Kenya, to introduce Artificial Intelligence into Sierra Leone’s public sector.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) during the Sierra Leone Innovation Showcase hosted by the Ministry.
This partnership will help demystify AI for the civil service and support public officials to use AI tools in their daily work. Through targeted training, the initiative will enhance efficiency, strengthen decision-making, and improve service delivery across government.
Hon. Salima Monorma Bah, Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, described the collaboration as a key step in Sierra Leone’s digital transformation journey.
“We want our civil service to not only understand AI but to use it meaningfully. This is about making the government more efficient, data-driven, and responsive to citizens. With Qhala’s support, we are equipping our leaders to govern confidently in a digital age.”
– Honorable Salima Monorma Bah, Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Sierra Leone
Under the partnership, Qhala will roll out AI training through the AI Masterclass for Policymakers and Q Academy, a dedicated learning hub developed with 4IR policies. These programs will ensure Sierra Leone’s public officials have access to the skills, tools, and resources needed to use AI responsibly and in ways that affect national priorities. Dr. Shikoh Gitau, CEO and Founder of Qhala, emphasized the importance of building local capacity.
“AI is a tool for better governance. This partnership gives Sierra Leone’s policymakers the skills and confidence to design and use AI systems that are ethical, inclusive, and grounded in local realities.”
– Dr. Shikoh Gitau, CEO and Founder, Qhala
The MoU will also support the development of inclusive and ethical AI policies, build capacity across government, strengthen cross-sector partnerships, and position Sierra Leone as a regional leader in responsible AI adoption.
Implementation will begin later this year, starting with the first big 4IR & blockchain Hackathon and AI Masterclass for policymakers. This is just the beginning of a deeper journey to ensure every public institution in Sierra Leone can harness AI to deliver better services for all.
