By M.O. Williams
Freetown, Sierra Leone — The European Union (EU) has launched a £3.5 million development project aimed at strengthening governance and enhancing service delivery across seven local councils in Sierra Leone.
The official launch took place on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the EU Delegation Office in Leicester Peak, bringing together mayors, district council chairpersons, and key government officials to discuss the initiative’s impact on local governance.
The project seeks to support high-quality development proposals from selected councils, fostering inclusive growth, better coordination among local authorities, and improved responsiveness to citizens’ needs. By enhancing the execution of devolved functions, the initiative aims to empower local institutions and improve governance efficiency.
The seven targeted councils include:
- Kailahun District Council
- Western Area Rural District Council
- Bo District Council
- Falaba District Council
- Koidu New Sembehun City Council
- Kenema City Council
- Freetown City Council
EU’s Commitment to Strengthening Governance
Speaking at the event, Jacek Jankwoski, Head of the EU Delegation in Sierra Leone, stressed the importance of enhancing the institutional and operational capacities of local councils to ensure sustainable development.
“This project aligns with the EU’s global strategy to empower local authorities to deliver effective governance and development results,” Jankwoski noted. He further emphasized that the initiative supports Sierra Leone’s national priorities, particularly those outlined in the government’s ‘BIG 5’ agenda.
Jankwoski underscored the critical role of decentralisation, explaining that giving power to local councils improves government accountability and fosters grassroots leadership.
Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr expressed gratitude for the EU’s continued support, highlighting how the funds would strengthen key components of her council’s “Transform Freetown; Transform Lives” initiative.
Similarly, Falaba District Council Chairman Ibrahim Sesay welcomed the intervention, noting that Falaba remains one of Sierra Leone’s most underdeveloped districts and urgently needs external assistance.
Western Area Rural District Council Chairman Kasho Holland Cole assured that the project funds would be utilized transparently and effectively for the benefit of citizens.
Strengthening Fiscal Decentralisation and Revenue Mobilisation
The initiative not only aims to improve local development planning and service delivery but also seeks to enhance public financial management, tax revenue mobilisation, and accountability within local governance structures.
Key focus areas include:
- Improving land management systems through urban property registries and cadastral mapping.
- Strengthening local tax collection mechanisms to boost financial autonomy.
- Encouraging multi-stakeholder collaboration for long-term, sustainable development.
With a territorial approach to local development (TALD), the project aims to empower councils, promote bottom-up governance, and foster inter-agency cooperation to create lasting development impacts across Sierra Leone.