A major international study has revealed that Sierra Leone could experience a US$108 million increase in its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over the next ten years through the effective adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), highlighting significant opportunities for economic growth, youth employment, entrepreneurship and technological innovation.
The findings were published on Thursday, November 5, 2026, in the Ayre Index: The 2026 Commonwealth Youth AI Readiness Index, launched during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda.
The research, conducted by the Ayre Think Tank, founded by Antiguan-Canadian entrepreneur and philanthropist Calvin Ayre, ranked Sierra Leone 33rd among 56 Commonwealth countries, with a score of 43.6 out of 100. The country fell below the study’s AI readiness benchmark of 53 points, achieved by only 15 Commonwealth nations.
Despite the relatively low ranking, the report identified considerable opportunities for Sierra Leone to strengthen its economy by investing in digital infrastructure, practical technological skills and youth-driven innovation.
According to the findings, AI could increase Sierra Leone’s GDP by US$108 million after ten years under a moderate economic scenario. A conservative projection places the potential increase at US$52 million, while an optimistic scenario estimates gains reaching US$164 million.
The projections, developed by applying International Monetary Fund economic scenarios to national GDP figures, represent possible increases in the country’s economic output after ten years rather than guaranteed annual gains.
The study further revealed growing interest in artificial intelligence among young Sierra Leoneans. An online survey conducted in March 2026 involving 122 volunteers aged between 18 and 35 found that 79.3 percent were already using AI tools for academic support.
However, researchers cautioned that the survey was not nationally representative and could not establish the overall level of AI adoption among Sierra Leone’s youth population.
The report also identified serious structural challenges, particularly inadequate electricity supply, limited digital skills and widespread informal employment. Electricity currently reaches only 39.2 percent of the population, restricting access to reliable digital services and technological opportunities.
With approximately 2.5 million young people aged between 15 and 29, Sierra Leone has substantial potential to develop a technologically skilled workforce capable of supporting economic transformation.
Commenting on the findings, Calvin Ayre emphasized that emerging technologies could transform employment, business operations and wealth creation across Commonwealth countries.
He maintained that success in the AI revolution would depend not necessarily on national wealth but on Governments providing young people with relevant skills, resources and opportunities to establish businesses and secure meaningful employment.
The report acknowledged Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its technological sector, including the July 2026 establishment of UniPod Sierra Leone at Fourah Bay College through collaboration between the Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The innovation facility provides young entrepreneurs with mentoring, design and prototyping opportunities to transform innovative ideas into viable businesses.
Additionally, the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation commenced consultations in May 2026 on Sierra Leone’s first National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, in partnership with the World Bank.
Efforts to improve electricity access were also highlighted, particularly a €24 million European Union and Denmark-supported initiative aimed at expanding solar mini-grid development in rural communities.
The Ayre Index recommended five priorities, including affordable technological access, practical digital education, stronger employment pathways, locally relevant AI applications and safeguards against unfair automated decisions.
Professor C. Justin Robinson, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal of the University of the West Indies, Five Islands Campus, stressed that young people must be empowered not merely to consume AI technologies but also to develop, improve and responsibly govern them.
Drawing on 1,128 research sources covering all 56 Commonwealth countries, the study concluded that targeted investment in infrastructure, education and entrepreneurship could help Sierra Leone translate growing interest in artificial intelligence into sustainable employment, stronger businesses and long-term economic development.
