Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Consumers in Sierra Leone should brace for an increase in cement prices starting January 2026, following Parliament’s ratification of the Finance Bill 2026 which restores the excise duty on cement.
The bill, tabled by Finance Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura on Wednesday, reintroduces an excise duty of NLe10 per 50kg bag of cement. The tax had been suspended in previous years to cushion the effect of global crises and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minister Bangura explained that the Finance Bill 2026 aims to generate NLe2.85 billion in additional revenue, representing 1.5% of GDP, to ease fiscal pressures and support essential public services.
“Delivering sustainable growth for any country requires adequate domestic resource mobilisation to support service delivery,” Bangura told Parliament, warning that failure to provide basic services could “undermine public trust, weaken state institutions, and thwart economic growth.”
The restoration of the cement excise duty marks another chapter in the government’s ongoing efforts to manage cement pricing. In March 2025, the Ministry of Trade and Industry introduced a fixed pricing formula after widespread public concern over sharp price increases. This was followed by a 20% import duty on cement implemented in June 2025.
The latest measure is part of broader tax reforms that also include zero import duties on LPG gas, solar panels, and related accessories, while increasing excise duties on tobacco products.
During parliamentary debates, lawmakers from both sides emphasized the need for efficient tax administration and prudent public financial management. They urged the government to reduce wastage and corruption while improving pro-poor service delivery.
With the excise duty restoration taking effect in January, market observers anticipate an immediate impact on construction costs across the country.
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