Compiled by: Andrew Kamara-APC Sweden District Secretary
General. Monday 15th January 2024.
Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE emerged as a trailblazer after her inauguration as the Mayor of Freetown in May 2018, a mandate she successfully renewed in the June 2023 multi-tier elections. Committed to a transformative vision for the city, she has spearheaded an inclusive, data-driven approach to tackle diverse challenges. Central to her leadership is the ambitious 3-year Transform Freetown plan, unveiled in January 2019. This comprehensive strategy delineates 19 specific targets spanning 11 sectors, encompassing issues such as waste management, housing, and the creation of employment opportunities in the tourism sector.
As the recently elected C40 Co-Chair, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr showcased her global leadership at the UN Secretary-General’s event during COP28 in Dubai. Emphasizing the need for the right financial and policy environment for sustainable city development, she highlighted the role of mayors in reducing demand for fossil fuels through innovative measures such as clean air zones, green building regulations, and nature-based solutions.
A key focus of Mayor Aki-Sawyerr’s agenda is tackling environmental degradation and enhancing climate resilience in Freetown. In 2021, she was appointed Africa’s first Chief Heat Officer, demonstrating her commitment to addressing climate-related challenges. This year, she announced Freetown’s first Climate Action Plan, a comprehensive strategy involving collaboration with government entities, NGOs, the private sector, and local communities to combat the effects of climate change.
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr’s professional background as a Chartered Accountant with over 25 years of experience in strategic planning, risk management consulting, and project management has undoubtedly contributed to her success in navigating the complexities of city governance. Holding an MSc in Politics of the World Economy from the London School of Economics and a BSc Hons in Economics from Fourah Bay College, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her role.
Beyond her mayoral responsibilities, Aki-Sawyerr is the co-founder and Chairperson of SLWT, a UK registered charity dedicated to supporting disadvantaged children and youth in Sierra Leone. Established in response to the atrocities committed during the country’s civil war, SLWT operates through local partners, ensuring that funds raised are directly channeled to projects. The organization is currently involved in supporting Ebola orphans through its “Hope for Tomorrow” program and the FAWE Scholarship Program for disadvantaged girls.
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr’s previous roles, such as serving as the Delivery Team Lead for the President’s Recovery Priorities in Sierra Leone and as Investment Director for IDEA, a real estate and infrastructure development company, showcase her extensive experience in driving socio-economic transformation. Her role in designing and executing “Operation Clean Freetown” under the President’s Recovery Priorities reflects her commitment to sustainable waste management solutions.
In her tenure as Director of Planning at the National Ebola Response Centre, Aki-Sawyerr played a pivotal role in developing and implementing strategies to end the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone. Her engagement with national and international partners, coordination of donor efforts, and facilitation of cross-border collaboration highlight her ability to lead complex initiatives.
Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr’s leadership journey also includes roles such as Managing Director of Caleb Group, where she co-founded and managed a portfolio of residential and commercial properties in the UK. Her accomplishments include raising capital for property developments, negotiating contracts, project management, and overseeing construction site operations.
In summary, Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr stands as a transformative leader with a holistic approach to city governance, environmental sustainability, and community development. Her commitment to inclusive, data-driven solutions, coupled with her extensive professional background, positions her as a beacon of change in Freetown and beyond.
