AI Policy and Governance in Sierra Leone: Framework for Policymakers

National AI Readiness

Sierra Leone, population 8.8 million, GDP per capita $527, faces both opportunities and governance challenges in the AI era. Labor force: 3.0 million. AI adoption: Minimal; among world's least digitized economies. GDP growth: 3.5%.

Labor Market Policy

Unemployment: 4.2%. Average wages: SLL 3,000,000 (~$135 USD). Minimum wage: SLL 600,000/month (~$27 USD).

Priority Sectors for Transition Programs

Government clerical, basic diamond sorting automation

Digital Infrastructure Gaps

Internet: 22%. Literacy: 48%. STEM graduates: ~2,000 annually.

Policy Recommendations

• AI Ethics: Guidelines for AI in high-stakes sectors
• Data Protection: Privacy regulations that enable innovation
• Workforce Transition: AI reskilling programs proportional to disruption
• Innovation: Tax incentives for responsible AI development

Fiscal Context

Post-civil war and Ebola recovery ongoing, extremely low literacy, power access below 25%, diamond dependency, limited human capital, infrastructure gaps, youth unemployment