Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE, together with Deputy Mayor Kweku Lisk and Zurich Mayor Corine Mauch, on 12th November 2025, officially launched a five-year Urban Regeneration Project with a symbolic sod-turning ceremony at the Freetown City Hall.
Zurich Mayor Corine Mauch’s visit forms part of the CHF 2.5 million City-to-City Urban Regeneration Partnership between Freetown and Zurich, aimed at revitalising Freetown’s Central Business District through improved lighting, greener spaces, and stronger climate resilience.
During the ceremony, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr presented Mayor Mauch and her delegation with a sash and the keys to the city, symbolising the enduring friendship between Freetown and Zurich.
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr noted that the partnership supports Freetown City Council’s “Transform Freetown, Transforming Lives” agenda. She reflected on the 2019 meeting that sparked the collaboration, emphasising that continued cooperation between the two cities has sustained its progress and will ensure long-term success.
In her remarks, Mayor Corine Mauch thanked Mayor Aki-Sawyerr and the Freetown City Council for their warm welcome and the symbolic keys to the city.
She said she was delighted to finally experience Freetown’s vibrancy, commending the Council’s achievements under Mayor Aki-Sawyerr’s leadership. Mayor Mauch added that the City-to-City partnership, launched in 2019, reflects Zurich’s international cooperation priorities and advances Sustainable Development Goal 11 sustainable cities and communities.
The project is being implemented by GOAL Sierra Leone, with UN-Habitat providing technical oversight and the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) and Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) serving as key partners.
The event concluded with a guard of honour by the Freetown Metropolitan Police, a tour of key project sites in the Central Business District, and the symbolic sod-turning to officially launch the five-year City-to-City Urban Regeneration Project.
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