Mayor Aki-Sawyerr Urges Students to Lead Digital Economy at CODE Matriculation in Freetown
The Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, used the College of Digital Excellence’s 2026 matriculation ceremony to underline the city’s commitment to digital skills as a driver of employment and entrepreneurship, telling a cohort of 350 new students that the digital economy offers a pathway to opportunity for the city’s young population.
At the ceremony on Friday, the Mayor noted that the digital economy is the fastest growing sector globally and stressed the importance of equipping young people with the skills needed to participate in it.
She pointed to the city’s demographic profile 70% of Freetonians are under the age of 35 as a compelling reason for urgent investment in digital education and training.
The Mayor’s address combined practical ambition with moral guidance. She urged students to view digital skills not only as technical tools but also as instruments for economic independence and civic progress under the Freetown City Council’s “Transform Freetown and Transforming Lives” agenda.
The Mayor’s public endorsement strengthens the partnership between municipal leadership and educational institutions such as CODE. By spotlighting the city’s youth demographics and linking them to a concrete training pathway.
College of Digital Excellence (CODE) is a local training institution focused on digital literacy, coding, and tech-enabled entrepreneurship.
The Mayor’s remarks form part of the broader “Transform Freetown Transforming Lives” development agenda, which prioritizes skills development, job creation, and inclusive economic transformation for Freetown’s predominantly young population.