By Sallieu S. Kanu
Freetown, August 20, 2026 – The Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki‑Sawyer, has officially launched the construction of the historic King Jimmy Market as part of the Strengthening Urban Governance and Local Economic Development (SURGE) Project.
The redevelopment, valued at €505,246, is funded by the European Union in Sierra Leone with €479,964, alongside a contribution of €25,282 from the Freetown City Council (FCC).
Situated in the Central Business District, King Jimmy Market is one of Freetown’s oldest trading spaces, adjacent to the De Ruyter Stone and the “slave steps and manacles” – landmarks that continue to tell the story of Sierra Leone’s role in the transatlantic slave trade.
Mayor Aki‑Sawyer emphasised that the project is more than a market upgrade, describing trading spaces as places where livelihoods are built, families supported, and dreams made possible. “King Jimmy is more than a market; it is a place of history and hope,” she said.
The Mayor extended appreciation to the EU, Deputy Mayor Kweku Lisk Esq., the Market Committee, Councillors, and FCC staff for their commitment to achieving this milestone.
The initiative forms part of the broader Transform Freetown vision, which seeks to modernise infrastructure, enhance urban governance, and improve the quality of life for residents.