Following the visit to Freetown of German Foreign Minister, Heiko Maas, in February 2019, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr was honored to receive an invitation to speak to the Parliamentary Leaders and Executive Board Members of the Coalition Parties that form the German Government. Mayor Aki-Sawyerr delivered a speech at the dinner that marked the start of the annual two day conference of the Parliamentary Boards.

Mayor Aki-Sawyerr spoke of the challenges created by rapid unplanned urbanization and how these challenges are being addressed through the Transform Freetown plans. She welcomed Germany’s increased focus on Africa, highlighting the importance of working closely with local and national governments to ensure sustainability of interventions. “We know where we want to get to, we know where we want to go, we welcome support in getting there, but we in Africa must lead” Mayor Aki-Sawyerr said in respect of international cooperation with Africa.

Mayor Aki-Sawyerr also held several bi-lateral meetings including meetings with Rolf Mutzenich, Leader of the SPD Parliamentary Group, Ulrike Hiller, State Council, Representative of Bremen for Federal and European Affairs and Development Cooperation and Nicole Steinagaß, Secretary of State, Rheinland-Pfalz.

Mayor Aki-Sawyerr was hosted by the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung foundation and looks forward to advancing the potential opportunities for collaboration with German municipalities and counterparts.