By Kadiatu A Turay

As the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close, business owners in Freetown, particularly along Malama Thomas Street, reflected on one of the most challenging sales periods in recent years. Vendors from various sectors expressed deep frustration over declining sales, blaming inflation, high taxation, and shifting consumer habits for their struggles. Many traders, who once relied on Ramadan for increased revenue, found themselves grappling with financial uncertainty.

Philip Johnson, a local trader, lamented that his sales during Ramadan had been significantly lower than in previous years. “This has been the worst Ramadan for my business,” he said. “I used to sell a lot during this period, but now I can barely make ends meet. Customers just don’t have the purchasing power they used to.”

Sophia Fofanah, a fabric seller, shared a similar experience, emphasizing the growing difficulty of selling raw materials. “People now prefer ready-made clothes, and this has made it hard for those of us dealing in fabrics,” she explained. “I am the sole provider for my children, and my husband has been sick for months. The rising cost of the U.S. dollar has made it more expensive to purchase goods, which has only worsened my situation.” Fofanah called on the Ministry of Trade and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to step in and support businesswomen, particularly those struggling to survive as street vendors and household breadwinners.

How Unfair Competition and High Taxes Are Crippling Small Businesses

For Massah Kpaka, another vendor, Ramadan had been a particularly distressing period. She disclosed that, on some days, she returned home without a single sale. “The most I made in a day was just 50 Leones, and that is barely enough to cover my transportation,” she revealed. Kpaka also pointed out an issue of unfair competition in the market, stating, “Some traders allow their children to sell at extremely low prices. How can we compete with that? We are paying high taxes and struggling, while others sell below market value.”

With her husband unemployed, Kpaka bore the full responsibility of taking care of her children, one of whom was attending Fourah Bay College, while the other was preparing for the WASSCE exams. She urged the government to address these challenges to ease the burden on vendors.

Adama Conteh, a trader who commuted long distances to reach Malama Thomas Street, also struggled with high taxation. “I travel four miles every day, using three different modes of transportation just to get here,” she explained. “The taxes on small businesses like mine are overwhelming. The government needs to consider reducing taxes so we can at least make a profit.”

Transport Costs and Inflation Worsening Situations

Fatimata Fullah, a raw fish seller, had to travel from Lungi to Freetown in search of customers due to declining sales in her hometown. However, high transportation costs presented another challenge. “The ferry fare is too expensive, and it eats into my profit,” she lamented. “If we had financial support or subsidies, it would make a big difference for small traders like me.”

Several stakeholders in the business sector acknowledged the difficulties vendors faced and called for urgent intervention. A spokesperson from the Sierra Leone Traders Union noted that inflation and high taxes had made it nearly impossible for small businesses to thrive. “Traders are suffering, and the government needs to step in to cushion the economic impact,” the representative stated.

A Few Businesses Thriving Despite the Economic Downturn

While many business owners struggled, some vendors reported a successful Ramadan. Fatimata Turay, who sold Agidi, a popular light meal for breaking fast, said her business had flourished. “My customers were always disappointed when I didn’t show up. They depended on my Agidi to break their fast,” she said.

Despite her success, Turay acknowledged the broader struggles of her fellow vendors. “Not everyone was lucky this Ramadan. Many of my friends in business couldn’t make enough sales to support their families,” she added.

Hopes for Better Days

As Ramadan draws to a close, many traders had hoped for government intervention and economic policies that would ease their financial burdens. Business owners called on authorities to implement tax reforms, provide financial support, and create an enabling environment for small businesses to thrive.

“We just want a fair system where we can work and earn a decent living,” Kpaka said. “Ramadan used to be a time of great business, but now, it is a struggle. Something has to change.”

With inflation and high taxation continuing to impact local businesses, the concerns raised by Freetown traders highlighted the pressing need for economic reforms to restore confidence in the market and support the livelihoods of small business owners.

Confidence Trading Co. Ltd Announces Latest Wholesale Prices for Rice Products*

Confidence Trading Co. Ltd, one of Sierra Leone’s leading importers and distributors of quality rice, has released its latest wholesale price list for March 2025. The updated pricing reflects the company’s commitment to providing affordable and high-quality food products to retailers and consumers across the country.

According to the new proforma invoice issued on March 20, 2025, the current wholesale prices for different brands and varieties of rice are as follows:

Datsun – Bella Luna Parboiled 50kg (New): NLe 701.00

Datsun – Big Joe Gold Parboiled 50kg: NLe 701.00

Datsun – Bella Luna Parboiled 25kg: NLe 355.50

Kissy Habiba Parboiled 50kg: NLe 701.00

Kissy Habiba Parboiled 25kg: NLe 355.50

Kissy Big Joe Brazil 100% Broken 50kg: NLe 621.00

Kissy Big Joe Brazil 100% Broken 25kg: NLe 315.50

Datsun Butter Rice 50kg: NLe 761.00

Datsun Butter Rice 25kg: NLe 385.50

Kissy Warrior Long Grain 25% 50kg: NLe 661.00

Kissy Warrior Long Grain 25% 25kg: NLe 335.50

As part of its service commitment, Confidence Trading Co. Ltd offers delivery services for bulk purchases of 40 bags (50kg) and above. The company also reminds customers that prices are subject to change at any time due to market fluctuations and external economic factors.

For payments and transactions, Confidence Trading Co. Ltd has provided multiple bank account options:

Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB): 003-001-147-236-112-120

Rokel Commercial Bank (RCB): 001-298-001-1101

United Bank for Africa (UBA): 540-110-030-025-890

Access Bank: 003-010-000-0314

Vista Bank: 601-012-044-640-129

Ecobank: 6376005982

The company continues to maintain a strong reputation as a reliable supplier of rice and other essential food items in Sierra Leone, serving both wholesalers and retailers with competitive pricing and consistent product availability.

For further inquiries and bulk orders, customers are encouraged to contact Confidence Trading Co. Ltd directly.