Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr has declared that rebuilding Sierra Leone’s economy must start with a strong and vibrant private sector, as she confirmed her intention to seek the flagbearership of the All People’s Congress (APC) ahead of the 2028 presidential election.
Speaking on Sunday, January 12, during an exclusive one-on-one interview with Liberty TV Online, Aki-Sawyerr said her decision to seek the APC flagbearership is part of a wider plan to lay the foundation for a presidential bid in 2028.
She explained that Sierra Leone’s return to sustainable economic growth will not happen by relying mainly on foreign direct investment, but by deliberately empowering local entrepreneurs, small businesses, and innovators.
“A vibrant private sector is the true engine of jobs and economic growth,” she said.
The Freetown mayor criticised current government policies, saying they have weakened the private sector and made it difficult for businesses to survive. According to her, many enterprises have been forced to close in recent years due to policies that discourage investment and stifle innovation.
Aki-Sawyerr stressed that supporting local businesses would create jobs, grow the economy, and reduce dependence on external funding. She added that her vision is centred on building an economy that works for ordinary Sierra Leoneans by giving local businesses the space and support they need to thrive.
Her comments are likely to spark debate within political and business circles as discussions around the 2028 elections begin to take shape.
