The Freetown City Council says its flagship urban development initiative has generated more than 10,590 direct jobs and 5,945 indirect jobs while attracting about SLE 287.6 million (approximately US$12.5 million) in external funding.

The council presented the findings during a mid-term review of its “Transform Freetown, Transforming Lives” programme covering 2024–2026. Officials say the initiative continues to drive employment creation, revenue generation, and community development across the capital.

Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr said the programme—first launched in 2018 and relaunched in 2024—focuses on four key areas: climate action, heritage tourism, digital economy growth, and human capital development.

According to council figures, 161,565 residents have benefited from 50 interventions and 70 training sessions aimed at strengthening skills and supporting local economic activity.

Related News

Ing. Sahr Mark Kanawa, director of planning at the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, emphasised the need for coordinated urban planning, infrastructure development, and community engagement to sustain long-term transformation.

He cited ongoing collaboration between the ministry and the council on Local Area Action Plans in communities including Goderich, Bay, Kolleh Town, and Kroo Bay, as well as broader work on the Freetown Structural Plan and the Western Area Structural Plan.

Kanawa acknowledged occasional disagreements between the two institutions but said continued dialogue had produced solutions in the public interest. “Freetown is the common ground, and ultimately, the people of Freetown are the people we both serve,” he said.

Beneficiaries also highlighted impacts at the community level. Agnes Kanu, chairlady of Hagan Market, praised the installation of a biodigester system, saying it has helped fish sellers reduce spoilage by improving storage capacity. She called for similar support to be extended to other markets across the city.

The council said the programme has mobilised more than US$12.5 million in external financing while expanding job opportunities across its four priority pillars.

Officials described the mid-term results as evidence of progress in urban resilience and economic strengthening, while noting that implementation is ongoing and part of a longer-term development strategy.

The council and the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning pledged continued cooperation on planning reforms and infrastructure investments aimed at translating current projects into sustained economic and social gains for Freetown residents.