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Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr hosted a high-level delegation from Austria, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations and addressing the critical infrastructure needs of the Sierra Leonean capital. On Monday, 23rd February 2026.
The Mayor, accompanied by her Deputy and the Deputy Chief Administrator, received Dr. Nikolaus Marschik, Secretary General for Foreign Affairs at Austria’s Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs. The courtesy call served as a strategic platform for Freetown to influence Austria’s evolving Africa Strategy.
During the session, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr detailed the complex structural hurdles currently facing the city. The discussions centered on the urgent need for modernized systems to keep pace with Freetown’s rapid expansion.
“The meeting provided an opportunity for Freetown to share our priorities and perspectives as Austria shapes its new Africa Strategy,” Mayor Aki-Sawyerr stated.
Beyond infrastructure, the Mayor presented Freetown’s comprehensive development roadmap. The central pillar of this strategy remains clear: job creation. By aligning urban management with economic opportunity, the city aims to create a more resilient environment for its youth and entrepreneurs.
The meeting underscores Freetown’s proactive approach to international diplomacy, seeking technical and strategic partnerships to transform the city’s administrative landscape.
