By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope Reporter
September 17, 2026 — Sierra Leone has opened talks with UNESCO on developing a national framework for Artificial Intelligence governance and legal preparedness, as the country moves to position itself for emerging technology regulation.
Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Hon. Alpha Sesay Esq., discussed Sierra Leone’s approach to AI during a meeting with UNESCO officials on the margins of the 4th UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
According to information from Sierra Leone’s Embassy in Riyadh, Sesay outlined President Julius Maada Bio’s Big Five Game Changers and how AI could support their implementation.
He told the delegation that Sierra Leone has established a policy position on AI but is yet to enact specific legislation, stressing the need for the country to understand the technology and prepare its legal and institutional systems.
Sesay also briefed UNESCO on Sierra Leone’s existing cybersecurity framework and ongoing work on a Data Protection Bill.
He argued that AI governance discussions must go beyond lawyers and technologists to include ordinary citizens.
“We are interested in the Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) and in tapping into UNESCO’s support extended to other countries,” Sesay said.
UNESCO describes RAM as a diagnostic tool to assess a country’s readiness to implement its 2021 Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence. The organisation says more than 75 member states have already engaged with the methodology.
Sierra Leone has also proposed regional cooperation on AI governance through ECOWAS, Sesay disclosed.
UNESCO’s representative, Mr. Amani, welcomed Sierra Leone’s presentation and said the organisation was open to including the country in the RAM process, according to the embassy.
He confirmed that UNESCO’s Communication and Information Team will travel to Sierra Leone later this month to train members of the legal community, including judges, law officers and private practitioners.
The two sides agreed to continue engagement when the UNESCO team visits Freetown. Sesay was accompanied by State Counsel Alpha Amadu Bah Esq.
The Global Forum is focused on translating AI ethical principles into practical governance and strengthening international cooperation.
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