Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr recently engaged in a critical discussion with the World Bank’s Third Inclusive and Sustainable Growth Financing DPO Technical Mission to Sierra Leone, focusing on the city’s ambitious plan to create 120,000 green jobs for women and youth.
This initiative is a key component of the Freetown City Council’s (FCC) new “Transform Freetown – Transforming Lives 2024-2028 Development Plan.”
During the meeting, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr highlighted the importance of the plan, which seeks to address Freetown’s structural challenges by fostering economic growth and providing sustainable employment.
The World Bank’s support is seen as crucial, particularly in scaling up successful programs in afforestation and waste management—areas vital to the city’s environmental and economic future.
The 2024-2028 Development Plan is a continuation of the 2019-2022 Transform Freetown initiative, now expanded to focus on four major areas: Climate Action, Heritage Tourism, Digital Economy, and Human Capital Development.
The plan outlines strategic investments in reforestation, green energy, clean air, waste management, informal settlement upgrades, and green urban mobility. It also aims to enhance Freetown’s appeal as a cultural and tourism hub, boost digital skills, and improve access to essential services like water, healthcare, and food security through urban farming.
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr emphasized that the development agenda was shaped through extensive consultations with a wide range of stakeholders, including development partners, civil society, parliamentarians, NGOs, and over 4,800 residents across 48 communities in Freetown.
The FCC is optimistic that with the World Bank’s support, the Transform Freetown agenda will significantly impact the city’s future, creating sustainable livelihoods and driving inclusive growth.
