Sierra Leone: Officials Target Digital Investment and AI Preparedness in World Bank Discussions

FREETOWN/BANGKOK, Oct. 14 (EME) – Sierra Leone’s Financial Secretary Matthew Dingie has said the government intends to prioritise digitalisation and energy-sector reforms in negotiations for the next World Bank International Development Association allocation, according to reporting by Awoko Newspaper (@awokonewspaper).

Dingie, speaking during IMF-World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok, linked the focus to the need for digital infrastructure and skills amid warnings that countries without adequate foundations risk being left behind by artificial intelligence-driven growth. Separate coverage from Salone Messenger (@Salonemessenger) noted ongoing labour reforms and a government jobs agenda.

A World Bank AI readiness diagnostic has highlighted gaps in connectivity, data, skills and regulation while recommending an approach of adopting and adapting existing tools.

Special recognition to owners of the handles @awokonewspaper and @Salonemessenger for on-the-ground coverage of economic and policy discussions.