Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh announced on June 2, 2025, that the wholesale price of 50kg parboiled rice has decreased from NLe 700 in May to NLe 665 in June.

This significant reduction is part of a new pricing formula implemented by the government of President Julius Maada Bio, aimed at stabilizing the market and making rice more affordable for consumers.

Dr. Sengeh explained that the pricing formula establishes a unified wholesale price for parboiled rice, with previous reductions occurring over the past months: NLe 780 in January, NLe 735 in February and March, NLe 725 in April, and NLe 700 in May. He emphasized that the government is supporting importers through various policies and incentives to enhance efficiency in the distribution process.

The Chief Minister highlighted that this initiative is designed to address the global economic challenges faced by citizens, assuring that the Ministry of Trade and Industry will work closely with rice retailers to ensure that the adjusted prices are accurately reflected in the market.

Furthermore, Dr. Sengeh announced the government’s commitment to establishing similar pricing formulas for other essential commodities, with the goal of developing macro and microeconomic policies that promote productivity, equity, and growth across all sectors.