The European Union and Freetown City Council on 20 August 2026 officially launched the Strengthening Urban Governance for Effective Service Delivery and Local Economic Development (SURGE) Project, aimed at improving local governance, service delivery and economic opportunities in the capital.
The initiative has a total value of €505,246, comprising €479,964 provided by the European Union and a contribution of €25,282 from Freetown City Council.
A major component of the project is the reconstruction of the historic King Jimmy Market in Freetown’s Central Business District. The redevelopment is expected to provide a safer, cleaner and more organized trading environment while expanding livelihood opportunities for traders, particularly women and young people.
The Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyer, officially launched the market construction and described the occasion as an important milestone in the council’s efforts to transform public trading spaces and support local economic development.
Mayor Aki-Sawyer said King Jimmy Market represents much more than a place where goods are bought and sold, noting that markets provide livelihoods, sustain families and allows people to pursue their economic aspirations.
“King Jimmy is more than a market; it is a place where livelihoods are built, families are supported and dreams are made possible,” the Mayor said.
King Jimmy Market is one of Freetown’s oldest commercial centres and holds considerable historical significance. It is situated close to the De Ruyter Stone and the historic “slave steps and manacles,” landmarks associated with the city’s connection to the transatlantic slave trade.
Through the SURGE Project, the European Union will support Freetown City Council in strengthening its institutional capacity and improving the delivery of essential services to residents.
The intervention will also promote participatory urban planning and transparent decision-making, while strengthening the council’s financial-management and revenue-generation systems. Additional attention will be given to sanitation, recycling livelihoods and efforts to create a cleaner, safer and more vibrant city.
Women and young people are expected to benefit from expanded economic opportunities linked to the project, including improved market facilities and support for sanitation and recycling activities.
Mayor Aki-Sawyer expressed appreciation to the European Union for financing the initiative. She also recognized the contributions of Deputy Mayor, Kweku Lisk, Esq., councillors, members of the Market Committee and Freetown City Council staff.
The European Union said the initiative reflects its commitment to accountable, citizen-centred local governance and sustainable development in Sierra Leone.
SURGE forms part of a broader European Union programme supporting seven local councils across the country. The programme seeks to strengthen decentralization, improve infrastructure, empower communities and increase the ability of councils to fulfil their responsibilities to citizens.
The intervention is also expected to contribute to employment creation, stronger market opportunities and improved public services, particularly for women, young people and vulnerable communities.
The King Jimmy Market redevelopment falls within the wider Transform Freetown agenda, which prioritizes improved infrastructure, environmental management, local economic development and better living conditions for residents.
The European Union and Freetown City Council have reaffirmed their commitment to working with community stakeholders and other development partners to ensure that the project delivers sustainable and meaningful results for the people of Freetown.
