Sengeh, Graça Machel Push Ubuntu Philosophy to Shape Future AI Governance

Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Dr. Moinina David Sengeh, and internationally renowned advocate H.E. Graça Machel have called for a fundamental shift in the development and governance of artificial intelligence, urging global leaders to anchor emerging technologies in the African philosophy of Ubuntu.

The high-level discussion, held in Cairo, highlighted a longstanding mentorship between Sengeh and Machel that dates back to his teenage years and continued through his tenure as Sierra Leone’s Minister of Education.

Their latest engagement focused on the rapid evolution of technology and its implications for global equity and human development.

Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Sengeh emphasized that artificial intelligence systems are collective human creations, drawing parallels with Ubuntu, the African philosophy often expressed as “I am because we are.”

“AI applications are very personal and its models only exist because of our collective data,” Sengeh noted. “AI is best when it’s about the mind, the heart and soul—our shared humanity.”

The leaders agreed that the direction of technological development should not be left solely to market forces. Instead, they argued that global policymakers must deliberately ensure AI serves the public good. If properly governed, they noted, artificial intelligence could significantly accelerate progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), improve public service delivery, and help reduce widening global inequalities.

Despite the optimism surrounding AI’s potential, the meeting also raised concerns about global preparedness. Dr. Sengeh relayed concerns expressed by Graça Machel regarding what she described as a critical vulnerability in global governance: the widening knowledge gap among policymakers.

warned that one of the most pressing risks facing society is that many political leaders and decision-makers lack a fundamental understanding of artificial intelligence and its systemic impact on communities and institutions.

The leaders stressed that closing this knowledge gap is an urgent priority to prevent technology from unintentionally deepening existing social and economic divides.

The meeting forms part of ongoing continental and global discussions on Africa’s digital sovereignty and its proactive role in shaping emerging technologies, with Dr. Sengeh reaffirming a shared commitment to human-centered innovation grounded in African values.