The launch ceremony took place at the EU Delegation, Freetown, and was attending by mayors, chairpersons, chief administrators, and other senior officials from the respective councils.This significant investment under this programme called “Support to Civil Society and Local Authorities for Local Development” aims to deliver tangible results for people of Sierra Leone through improved local planning, agricultural and infrastructure development, and service delivery. 

A key focus of the initiative is youth empowerment, targeting Sierra Leoneans aged 15–35 with skills training and civic engagement opportunities in the areas of governance, accountability, and policymaking.

The programme will support:

• Training for council and auxiliary staff in public financial management (PFM)
• Updates to essential registers, including property rolls and business licenses
• Micro-grants to chiefdom youth councils to support participation in local decision-making
• Revisions of local development plans to reflect evolving community needs
• Internship for university students to gain valuable work experience

Additionally, the programme will finance the development of public infrastructure through public-private partnerships to ensure sustainability and local revenue for the councils.

EU’s Commitment to Decentralisation

Speaking at the event, EU Ambassador to Sierra Leone, H.E. Jacek Jankowski, reaffirmed the EU’s long-standing commitment to decentralisation as a cornerstone of democratic governance and sustainable development.

“For several years now, the EU has consistently supported devolution processes as key tools to increase accountability and improve service delivery, yet we also recognise the persistent challenges local authorities face, limited financial resources, incomplete devolution, and institutional capacity constraints. Councils must be equipped with the tools and funding they need to meet the expectations of the communities they serve,” Ambassador Jankowski said.

He noted that the programme reaffirms the critical role of Local Authorities in community-level development, aiming to empower councils for good governance, better service delivery, and long-term sustainable outcomes.

Local Authorities’ Commitment 

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EUD Sierra Leone

Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr of the Freetown City Council highlighted the EU’s previous support to the council, including during the COVID-19 response and other interventions aimed at improving sanitation in the municipality. She expressed a strong commitment to implementing the new project under this programme for the benefit of Freetonians.

“This programme will benefit from an impact assessment of the Transform Freetown Development Plan and the expansion of our Mob-Tax revenue system to integrate all municipal sources. Also investments in smart waste management technology will also support our green city agenda,” the Mayor said.

 Chairpersons and Mayors from the other beneficiary councils, including Bo, Kailahun, Falaba, Western Area Rural, Kenema, and Koidu New Sembehun, welcomed the new programme and pledged their commitment to implement their respective projects transparently, collaboratively and effectively to improve service delivery in their localities.

Advancing the BIG 5 Agenda and SDGs

The EU’s support aligns with the Government of Sierra Leone’s BIG 5 Agenda and the EU’s global commitment to empowering local authorities to deliver inclusive, transparent, and citizen-centred services.

The grants specifically focus on:

• Enhancing institutional and operational capacity of Local Authorities
• Improving local tax revenue collection and fiscal decentralisation
• Promoting inclusive and sustainable service delivery
• Strengthening transparency, citizen participation, and accountability
• Supporting Territorial Approaches to Local Development (TALD)

“This is more than an investment in infrastructure,” Ambassador Jankowski concluded. “It’s a monumental opportunity to elevate local governance through innovation, sustainability, and inclusive leadership. Decentralisation must be a lived reality, delivering for people where it matters most: in their communities.”

As a reliable and long-standing development partner of Sierra Leone, the EU remains committed to supporting inclusive local economic development and empowering councils to deliver real change for citizens nationwide. 

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For media inquiries, please contact:

N’Fa Alie Koroma

Press & Information Officer, 

EU Delegation to Sierra Leone

Email: N’Fa-Alie.Koroma@eeas.europa.eu

Tel: +23288136002