London, June 22, 2026 -Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has said that while Government has succeeded in stabilizing food prices and ensuring the availability of essential commodities, the country’s most pressing economic challenge remains low household incomes.
Speaking at a Civic Day engagement in London, Dr. Jalloh told Sierra Leoneans that the next phase of reforms will prioritize job creation, expanded livelihoods, and boosting the purchasing power of families.
Commodity Prices Stabilized, But Families Still Struggling The Vice President highlighted progress made in stabilizing the prices of staples such as rice, flour, onions, and vegetable oil through interventions including import substitution, pricing regulation, and targeted tax incentives. “Today, commodities are available in our markets, and their prices are competitive compared to many of our neighbours in the region,” he said.
However, he stressed that affordability alone is not enough. “The big challenge today is not necessarily food prices; it is household income. Even when commodities are available and relatively affordable, many families cannot buy them because household incomes remain low.”
Job Creation at the Core of Reform Agenda Dr. Jalloh explained that too few income earners are supporting large family units, placing enormous strain on household finances. “The number of Sierra Leoneans who are supporting entire households is still very limited. That is why increasing household income has become one of Government’s highest priorities,” he noted.
Feed Salone Strategy Anchored on Expanding Incomes The Vice President said the Government’s flagship Feed Salone initiative is designed not only to strengthen food security but also to expand household incomes through job creation and value chain development.
“The overarching objective behind Feed Salone and our job creation agenda is to drive economic growth that expands household incomes. If we do not address household income, lower commodity prices alone will not significantly improve the everyday lives of our people,” Dr. Jalloh emphasized.
The remarks underscore a shift in Sierra Leone’s economic policy focus — from stabilizing markets to tackling the deeper challenge of household earnings — as the Government seeks to align food security with broader economic transformation.
