From left, Director and COO, DSTI, Doreen Abiero, Qhala, Minister Salima Monorma Bah, MoCTI, Dr. Elizabeth Wamicha, Qhala, and Joshua Baru, Qhala
The Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation in collaboration with the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NC3) and Qhala, officially launched its high-level leadership training on Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and Emerging Technologies. This intensive training follows the immediate implementation of the strategic partnership signed between the Ministry on September 30th 2025 on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) during the Sierra Leone Innovation Showcase hosted by the ministry. https://mocti.gov.sl/mocti-signs-mou-with-qhala-to-bring-artificial-intelligence-into-sierra-leones-civil-service/.
Participants at the event
Held at the Miatta Conference Hall was one of intense focus as over 50 senior leadership from across government ministries, department and agencies, Directors, senior managers, senior security officials and media engaged with experts from DSTI and Qhala to understand the risks and rewards of the emerging technologies with a focus on the AI frontier. This whole-of-government approach ensures that as Sierra Leone digitizes, it does so with a strong digital armor to protect citizen data and institutional integrity.
Participants at the event
The day started with an opening statement by Jasper Sembie, Director and COO of the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation and the first training session was delivered by James Bangura, a Project officer at DSTI. His content focused on Digital Literacy for leadership in the Public Sector and emerging Technologies and their National Security Implications. The Qhala team led by Joshua Baru, used the afternoon session to introduce AI, its opportunities, risks, and data foundations for the Government.
Opening Statement by Jasper Sembie, Director and Chief Operating Officer, DSTI
James Bangura, Project Officer, DSTI, James Bangura leading the morning sessions on Emerging Technologies
Joshua Bary, Technical AI Governance, Qhala leading the afternoon session on AI For Policy Makers
The objectives of this training is to demonstrate how AI and emerging Technologies can be strategically applied to accelerate the Medium Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) Big Five Game Changers, particularly on Feed Salone, Human Capital Development, Youth Employment, Infrastructure, Technology and Innovation and Economic Diversification and to equip decision makers with a clear understanding of emerging technologies, enabling them to develop informed policies and make sound, strategic decisions in the public interest.
