Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Government of Sierra Leone has announced a steep increase in tariffs on several essential food imports, imposing a 35% tax on cooking oil, eggs, tomato paste, and sardines under the 2026 National Budget.
Financial Secretary Matthew Dingie revealed the new fiscal measure during a special press conference hosted by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education at Lacs Villa on Friday, 28 November 2025.
According to Mr. Dingie, the tax hike is a protective measure designed to bolster domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign goods. He argued that local capacity has grown sufficiently to meet consumer demand, noting that “almost 50–60% of condiments used daily are now produced locally.”
“To encourage further growth of local manufacturing, importation of these same goods now attracts a 35% tax,” Dingie stated. He added that the measure is intended to create jobs, contributing directly to the government’s target of 500,000 youth jobs under the ‘Big Five’ agenda.
The new tax policy is a central component of the 2026 Budget, which is anchored on the theme “Domestic Revenue Mobilization.” The Financial Secretary warned that the country must pivot toward self-sufficiency as global economic dynamics shift.
“Aid is slowing down globally,” Dingie said. “This means we must look within, harness our own resources, and support our own development programmes.”
While the budget increases costs for imported foodstuffs, it simultaneously lowers barriers for energy products. Mr. Dingie announced that all solar equipment and LPG gas canisters are now zero-rated for import tax, a move aimed at making clean and reliable energy more affordable for citizens.
Mr. Dingie described the 2026 fiscal plan as a “Pro-People Budget” aligned with President Julius Maada Bio’s directive to prioritize the specific needs of Sierra Leoneans. The budget maintains significant support for the “Feed Salone” agricultural initiative and allocates an estimated $50 million for the expansion of the School Feeding Programme.
The government also pledged continued subsidies for schools and new incentives to accelerate digital transformation, including support for the Felei Tech City in Bo.
“The 2026 budget is designed to protect vulnerable populations, stimulate economic growth, and ensure that national development is citizen-centred and sustainable,” Dingie concluded.
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