FREETOWN, Sierra Leone — Sierra Leone is taking another step toward strengthening its digital government infrastructure after authorities trained a technical team on artificial intelligence (AI) and data protection by design.

The training, conducted by the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation, involved the technical team of the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI).

The initiative focuses on building technical capacity around the responsible use of AI while ensuring that privacy and data protection are considered from the design stage of digital systems.

The development comes as Sierra Leone accelerates its broader digital transformation agenda, including efforts to modernise government services and strengthen the country's digital infrastructure.

Combining AI innovation with stronger data-protection practices could help Sierra Leone build more secure and trusted digital public services.

The training also highlights the growing importance of skilled government technology teams as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly relevant to public administration and service delivery.

Sierra Leone's digital transformation programme is expected to continue focusing on technology skills, secure digital systems and more efficient government services.