Freetown is Giving NLE 10,000 to Climate Resilient Innovators

Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, Mayor of Freetown, has launched the Freetown Urban Green Design Competition, a new initiative aimed at transforming the city’s Central Business District (CBD) through innovative and climate-resilient urban design solutions.

According to a post on social media by Freetown City Council, the Freetown Urban Green Design Competition invites residents to reimagine the CBD as a greener, safer and more inclusive city centre, while encouraging citizen participation in shaping Freetown’s environmental future.

What You Need To Know About The Freetown Urban Green Design

Image: Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr at the launch of Freetown Urban Green Design Competition

The Freetown Urban Green Design Competition is part of the Freetown–Zurich City-to-City Cooperation, a partnership focused on urban regeneration and sustainable city development.

It aims to introduce greener public spaces, enhanced street lighting, organised parking systems, and people-friendly infrastructure within the CBD.

Mayor Yvonne said the competition “will enable residents of Freetown to reimagine the Central Business District from Walpole Street to Wilberforce Street and from Siaka Stevens Street to Wallace Johnson Street.”

Residents of Freetown will be at the forefront to not only visualise how they want their city to look, but also to bring their vision to life.

Mayor Yvonne also said this initiative will change the face of public spaces and landmarks, which she said, “could be beautified by transforming grey streets into welcoming, people-friendly spaces.”

The initiative is supported by partners including UN-Habitat, Stadt Zürich – Stadtentwicklung, and GOAL, reflecting growing international collaboration in Freetown’s urban development efforts.

Who Is Eligible

Image: Cross-section of young and creative residents of Freetown at the launch

The competition is open to students, young professionals and local creatives. They are expected to submit practical and affordable design concepts that enhance urban greenery while responding to climate risks.

Entries will be assessed by a jury based on climate resilience, biodiversity, public life and safety, affordability, and creativity. The top three winning designs will each receive Le 10,000.

According to the Freetown City Council, the submission deadline is on 30 January, and jury selection and awards will be on 6 February 2026.