Mayor Aki-Sawyerr Hosts C40 Cities Executive Director in Freetown 

FREETOWN – Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr has welcomed Mark Watts, Executive Director of C40 Cities, and Johnson Situ, Director of the C40 Co-Chair’s Office, to Freetown for a familiarization visit aimed at strengthening climate action initiatives in the city.

As a member of C40 Cities, Freetown benefits from global partnerships that support climate resilience, peer learning, and access to funding for sustainability projects. One such initiative is the recently completed feasibility study for a Cable Car system, funded by C40 Cities.

Watts and Situ are expected to participate in a high-level Steering Committee meeting with key government ministries, as discussions advance towards securing funding for the project’s implementation.

During a press conference, Watts announced that Freetown has successfully secured funding for two major environmental projects. The first, a collaboration between C40’s Breathe Cities and African Cities for Clean Air, aims to improve air quality by monitoring pollution levels and deploying low-cost sensors across the city. The second, the “Enhancing Heat-Health Resilience in Freetown” project, has received a $100,000 grant from the Rockefeller Foundation. This initiative will integrate climate and health data collection, train community workers, and enhance inter-agency cooperation to mitigate the effects of extreme heat.

In line with C40 Cities’ policies, the funds will be utilized within Freetown but administered by the global network. Significantly, both projects are expected to create employment opportunities for the city’s youth.

Additionally, ongoing research funded by C40 Cities is exploring how nature-based solutions can improve rainwater harvesting at the community level.

Mayor Aki-Sawyerr emphasized the importance of this study, given that water access remains a top priority for Freetown residents.

The delegation also engaged with World Bank Country Manager Abdu Muwonge, as the institution continues to support Freetown’s climate initiatives, including the #FreetownTheTreeTown reforestation program.

Over the next two days, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr and Watts will meet with national leaders to reinforce partnerships, connect with young climate advocates, and visit key sustainability projects.

The Mayor expressed optimism that the visit will help unlock additional resources for Freetown’s ongoing climate resilience efforts.