The visit highlighted the strong partnership and shared vision for development between the two municipalities.
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr, accompanied by Councillor Zainab Conteh, Personal Assistant Isatu Manja Kargbo, and Communications Officer John Sise, received a warm welcome with a Quarter Guard mounted by the KM Police upon her arrival.
During her visit, she toured key municipal sites, including the KMC Library, the Ice Plant in Bakoteh, and the Mbalit Project site. These visits underscored the shared commitment of both councils toward urban development and community empowerment.
At the official ceremony held at KMC Chambers, Kanifing Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda expressed deep appreciation for Mayor Aki-Sawyerr’s continued support, both personally and professionally.
“She’s not just a sister by name; she genuinely supports KMC and myself,” Mayor Bensouda stated. “Yvonne is one of the superstar mayors in Africa and perhaps the most high-profile mayor in West Africa. She has helped elevate KMC’s work internationally.”
Mayor Bensouda highlighted her role in nominating him for the African Mayors’ Leadership Initiative and facilitating partnerships with global organisations like Bloomberg Philanthropies. He also acknowledged valuable lessons learned from Freetown’s innovative tax collection and waste management systems, which KMC has successfully adapted.
In her remarks, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr emphasised that the visit was an opportunity to exchange ideas and strengthen ties between the two cities. “We often find that we have more in common with cities in our region than with those across the world,” she said.
She underscored the importance of working together on urban sustainability projects, including tree planting, waste management strategies, and digital tax reform for municipal revenue collection. She also noted how KMC’s youth engagement model inspired her team to create a similar role in Freetown’s local government structure.
“These interactions always produce results,” she added. “Every time we meet, we come away with actionable solutions.”
Mayor Bensouda expressed gratitude for the visit and reaffirmed his commitment to deepening the partnership. “Our relationship and shared experiences will continue to benefit both cities and contribute positively to our respective countries,” he concluded.
