The Freetown City Council (FCC) has launched an ambitious development agenda targeting the creation of 120,000 decent jobs for women and youth by 2028.
This new plan builds on the successes of previous initiatives and is structured around four key areas: Climate Action, Heritage Tourism, Digital Economy, and Human Capital Development. Extensive community feedback has been incorporated, resulting in a comprehensive strategy with nine critical pathways focused on job creation.
Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr emphasized the goal's feasibility through targeted interventions across these four sectors. The plan aims to leverage Freetown's unique opportunities and address its challenges, ultimately fostering a thriving job market.
A significant focus is placed on early childhood
education, highlighting its long-term impact on personal and societal development.
At the launch event, pupils from the Early Learning Adventure Centre
represented FCC's commitment to providing free, high-quality education to
vulnerable children. As one student said, “The first eight
years have so much to do with how the next 80 years turn out!”
In
addition to education, the event featured a tree giveaway as part of the
"FreetownTheTreeTown" campaign. Attendees were encouraged to take
free trees, plant them, and upload photos and planting details to an online
tracker. This initiative promotes environmental stewardship and engages the community in Freetown's green transformation efforts.
Key
partners such as World Bank Country Manager Abdu Muwonge and FCDO Director Emma
Spicer attended the launch, reaffirming their support for FCC’s initiatives.
Both highlighted their organizations' past contributions to projects like
#FreetownTheTreeTown and pledged continued collaboration toward the ambitious
job creation goal. Their presence underscored the importance of international
partnerships in achieving sustainable development in Freetown.
Deputy
Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon. Alfred Moi Jamiru,
spoke on behalf of Minister Tamba Lamina. He stressed the national significance
of the “Transform Freetown – Transforming Lives” Agenda and called on all
Freetonians to embrace and support the plan. His remarks highlighted the
broader impact of successful local initiatives on the country’s overall
development.
The new agenda's detailed initiatives reflect a holistic approach to job creation, addressing various sectors that can provide sustainable employment opportunities. Climate Action initiatives aim to build resilience against environmental challenges while promoting green jobs.
Heritage Tourism leverages
Freetown's cultural assets to attract visitors and stimulate local businesses.
The Digital Economy pathway focuses on technology-driven growth, preparing the
workforce for future job markets. Lastly, Human Capital Development aims to
enhance skills and education, ensuring residents are well-equipped to
seize new opportunities.
Freetown City Council's new development agenda is a strategic and community-driven plan designed to create significant employment opportunities.
By focusing on Climate
Action, Heritage Tourism, Digital Economy, and Human Capital Development, and
through the support of key partners and community involvement, FCC aims to
transform Freetown and improve the lives of its residents. The ambitious target
of 120,000 jobs by 2028 reflects a commitment to sustainable development and a
prosperous future for all Freetonians.