Spark Media Unveils Top-Notch Sydney Studio


Spark Media, Sierra Leone’s top notch video production company based in Freetown, redefining the standards of quality and excellence has unveiled it top –notch Sydney studio in the heart of Cold Farm, Freetown on Sunday 2nd September 2023.

Speaking on the rationale behind naming the Facility as Sydney Studio, CEO of Spark Media, Joe L Aruna Confirmed Sydney Ebenezer Johnson was one of the founders of Spark Media and was a thriving entrepreneur with a promising talent. He acknowledges that Sydney made a mark in the media and film production Industry in Atlanta although his life and career was cut short by liver cancer in America. He described his friend as someone with a dedicated sense of fairness and humility on and off the set. The cutting of the ribbon was officially done by the mother of the late man.

He recalled that when he came back to Sierra Leone in 2019 and type Google all that comes up about the country is Negative Press and chaos. He admonished all those that have lived in the diaspora to come back home and contribute instead of complaining that the country is bad and they are not doing anything to change the narrative.

My own little way to change the narrative is to come back home and set up an entity like this to help change the narrative. The team that are selected I carefully selected them and so far they are young and dynamic and I’m really pleased with them” he stated.

The CEO confirmed that he has lived in the United States of America for the past 20 years and there are places in America without running water but these places will not appear on the movies or CNN. However, he affirmed that Sierra Leoneans are so focused to Promote negative image whether for political reasons or for any other reasons thereby creating a negative space. He emphasized that one way to change the narrative is for us all to make a conscious efforts to know that everything we put out is brand. He added that in future, he would like to see quality videos show up on the Internet whenever somebody type Sierra Leone not just from Spark Media but also from other media Outlets.

Foday Issadin Kamara , Co-founder of Spark Media expressed his excitement for the unveiling and appreciates the various guests for gracing the occasion. He described the studio as first class that seeks to redefine the meaning of excellence and quality. He revealed that their intention is not only to create a video that will inspire many but also videos that will tell the positive story of a country. He described Media as a very vital platform for restructuring of the county global image. He made an analogy that their CEO has lived in America, and  always tells them that America is not perfect but they can only show you what they want you to see So Spark Media can do the same for Sierra Leone.

He emphasized that quality comes with a Price and they are going to pay for it. He assured the audience that they are not here to do substandard works and that is why they have state of the art equipment that can give the best quality equivalent to whatever client can get in the USA, Nigeria and Ghana.
The unveiling was climaxed with a raffle draw where guests won smart TV, Fan , Tablets, Bag, Perfumes e.t.c

From captivating commercials to stunning documentaries, Spark Media has the expertise and passion to deliver exceptional services like Photography, Event Coverage, Printing, Videography, Graphics design, Branding and Broadcasting.

 




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RCBank Launches Seven New E-Banking Products And Services


In a strategic move to provide top-notch digital Banking services  its current and Potential Customers , Rokel Commercial Bank has launched Seven new E-Banking Products and Services [ E-Banking Baskit] on Friday 1st September at the D’ Bim D Bam Hall, Wellington Street Freetown.

In his Presentation of the New E Banking Products and Services to the audience, Victor Kanu , Officer in Charge RCBank E-Banking Product and services revealed that over the years they have worked tremendously to see how they can match and surpass what their competitors are doing. He acknowledged that the current trend of Global Banking is digital and they are working hard to adopt the status quo. The seven new products and E-Banking services he listed are Prepaid Card, Classic Visa Card Proprietary /Local Card , Cardless transaction on ATM, ATM Terminals, Remittances Money gram, Western Union, RIA, POS Terminal.

He described RCBank Visa Prepaid Card as reloadable and the cardholder can either be an account holder or non account holder and denominated in Leones. He added that this will give great opportunity to reach out to all the people that are currently excluded from the financial system in Sierra Leone.
Speaking on the importance of RCBank Debit Visa Classic Card, he pointed out that the card is directly linked to a customer’s account of the bank , transaction on the card impact the customer account directly. He further confirmed that the card can be used both local and International on any VISA enable terminal [ATM, POS,and Web/ Online]. He affirmed that the card is powered by VISA, a global card scheme in which the bank has a principal License membership.

Richard A.F Ashcroft, the Agency Banking Officer at RCBank, shared remarkable success stories and testimonials from Simkorpor in his Presentation.

He mentioned notable instances of their Ekorpor successes where payments were made to 26,000 recipients to NACSA, ECSL [UNDP] 91000[present], Save the Children 15,000, AFENET 25,000 and NETIPS 10,000 in a short period, many of whom did not have accounts with RCBank. While transaction limits are currently set at Le15,000 per transaction, Ashcroft expressed the bank’s commitment to further develop the service.

Managing Director of RCBank, Dr, Ekundayo Gilpin described the various E-banking products and services as a sum total of RCBank ambitious digitalization programme that has invariably transitioned into fast, reliable, modern, safe and efficient banking services. He recalled that sometimes back when they expressed their ambition to go digital, some people were casting aspersions. He pointed out that many people were calling the Bank they took up in 2017 Provocative names, but because he got a team of likeminded people which are the shareholders, and dedicated staff who work in the institution they were able to change the narrative. He further revealed that now is the time to show the world that Sierra Leoneans can emerge as people of Substance who can equal and surpass any other bank in this in the aspect of digitization. Addressing the issue of safety and security for customers data and finance, he acknowledged that in terms of digitization and Online Processing there is potential for fraud. He referenced the recent data Breach of the British Metropolitan Service as a manifestation of potential fraud. He allays the fear of the audience that they have put together solution s to protect their customers’ cash with one of best standards globally.

The Board Chairman of RCBank described the occasion as tremendous and not only for the Bank but for Sierra Leone. He acknowledged that it has not been an Easy Journey but he believes that a journey of a thousand mile begins with a first step. He affirmed that despite reaching their goals with a thousand mile, they would like to go beyond the said thousand miles. He confirmed that the board of the bank is in a strategic direction, and commends the management and staff that actualize their plans and strategies. He acknowledges that they can have the best of ideas and strategies but the people that implement them are the ones that mainly deserve applaud. He affirms the board commitment to always support management.

Representing the Acting Bank Governor, Mr. Jarret, Director of Banking and Supervision at the Bank of Sierra Leone congratulated the Chairman, Managing Director and the Board and Management of RCBANK. He pointed out that from the speech of the Managing Director, he was able to see all what RCBank has to offer and map out the path the Bank has journeyed since the time Barclays Bank left the shores of Freetown and was transformed to RCBank, to the present day. He described the apt speech of the Managing Director, Dr. Gilpin as a chronology of achievements.

Launching the RCBank E-Banking Products and Services [ E-Banking Baskit], the Deputy Minister of Finance, Madam Jeneba Bangura herself as now a potential customer of RCBank. She justified that her decision to serve as a potential customer of RCBank is as a result of the significant strides the Bank is making in Sierra Leone.

I’m really really impressed, this is my second event. We were here about three weeks ago where I joined you 5 years of digital financial service with Simkorpor and I am here again to launch services and Products.RCBank you guys are leading. As I stand through both presentations, not only did I know that you guys are providing all these services but I am impressed that you have done within the shortest possible time and your efforts is exactly into what this government is trying to do which is innovation and digital transformation ” she stated.

She pointed out that digitization is very important especially when it comes to providing services for customers whether in the Banking sector, or revenue collection. she affirmed that it is important because it saves money , time and provide security and provides accountability for customers.

 

 




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The Correct Money Transfer Service to Sierra Leone


Looking to transfer money to Sierra Leone? Look no further! Ezipay SL offers a trustworthy and professional service that you can rely on.

They understand the value of your hard-earned money and are committed to ensuring the safety and security of your transfers.

EziPay SL offers a range of services that go beyond just sending money. With this app, you can buy EDSA top-up, pay for purchases, and even buy airtime for Orange and Africell.

This means that you can stay connected with your loved ones and ensure that they have all the essential services they need.

One of the key features of EziPay SL is the ability to transfer funds to Afrimoney and Orange Money. These are the two leading mobile money platforms in Sierra Leone, and with EziPay SL, you can send money directly to these platforms. This means that your loved ones can access the funds easily and use them for their daily needs or emergencies. The convenience and accessibility of EziPay SL make it the ideal choice for sending money to Sierra Leone.

Another advantage of using EziPay SL is the security it offers. EziPay SL uses industry-leading encryption technology to protect your financial information. This gives you peace of mind, knowing that your money and personal data are safe and secure. Additionally, EziPay SL complies with all relevant regulations, ensuring that your transactions are legal and transparent.

To get started Download the Ezipay SL app here: https://linktr.ee/ezipaysl

Ezipay SL is your go-to service. With their reliable and professional service, competitive rates, low fees, secure transfers, convenient management options, and real-time transaction tracking, we make sending money a breeze. Trust Ezipay SL for all your money transfer service.

Download the Ezipay SL app today on Google Playstore and App Store and start sending money to Sierra Leone with ease, convenience, and peace of mind. Your loved ones will thank you for it!




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Sierra Leone SME Finance And Investment Summit to Address SME-Finance Challenges


The African SME Finance and Investment Network (ASFIN) will bring together key stakeholders across the country for a one-day Sierra Leone SME Finance and Investment on 31st August, 2023, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, to address some of the major challenges SMEs face in accessing finance.

According to Peter SaSellu, President and CEO of ASFIN, “In emerging markets, most formal jobs are generated by SMEs, which create 7 out of 10 jobs.” He says that access to finance is a key constraint to SME growth. It is the second most cited obstacle facing SMEs to grow their businesses in emerging markets and developing countries, especially in Africa.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are less likely to be able to obtain bank loans than large firms; instead, they rely on internal funds, or cash from friends and family, to launch and initially run their enterprises. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) estimates that 65 million firms, or 40% of formal micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in developing countries, have an unmet financing need of $5.2 trillion every year, which is equivalent to 1.4 times the current level of the global MSME lending. About half of formal SMEs don’t have access to formal credit. The financing gap is even larger when micro and informal enterprises are taken into account.

Ashma Jalloh, the Coordinator of the Summit says the Sierra Leone SME Finance and Investment is timely. She says, “The Objective of the Summit is to focus discussions on adequate funding, access to finance and financial inclusion. This will take care of some of the problems such as provision of modern technology and low managerial skills.”

She says “the SME Finance and Investment Summit will examine the financing of SMEs in Sierra Leone and the various financing options available to SMEs. This will involve looking at debt financing by considering the role commercial, microfinance banks and other financial institutions and investors play in the financing of SMEs in the country. It will also consider the role of equity financing through venture capital and business angels financing. Efforts will aim at adequate funding of SMEs in Sierra Leone.”

According to Rebecca Paulson, Executive Director of ASPIN, “SMEs play a major role in most economies, particularly in developing countries. SMEs account for the majority of businesses worldwide and are important contributors to job creation and global economic development. They represent about 90% of businesses and more than 50% of employment worldwide. Formal SMEs contribute up to 40% of national income (GDP) in emerging economies. These numbers are significantly higher when informal SMEs are included. According to World Bank’s estimates, 600 million jobs will be needed by 2030 to absorb the growing global workforce, which makes SME development a high priority for many governments around the world.”




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When the Banking Sector is Active, The Economy is Active


The Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank, Dr. Ekundayo Walton Gilpin has urged Bank accounts holders in the country to make  sure their accounts are  transactional.

He described  transactional accounts as active and also utilizing the various services banks are offering. He made this statement in a recent Interview with the African Young Voices Television Good morning Salone Program.

He revealed that as a Bank, they are working hard to make sure they provide the required services that will make people become more financially included. He recommended  that customers can be actively financially included when they are able to use mobile Banking applications, apply for loans, transfer money from the App to the Wallet,.

He encouraged people that just do deposits and withdrawals to utilize the other services RCbank is offering like the Banking Cards, Mobile applications for transactions, check balance, pay for insurance through the Banks. He affirmed that there are so many opportunities the Bank  sector is offering to customers to make them actively financially included  compared to people that are opening accounts without doing anything with it.

If the bank becomes better, we will be able to give out more loans, people will be able to do more businesses that will pay taxes and employ more people. So when the banking sector is active, the economy is active. So we are looking forward to provide more services so we become more active so there is more financial transactions in the economy “ Dr. Gilpin stated

He further revealed that RCBank is currently penetrating to the interior because they believe it is their duty to take their services to hard to reach areas and that is why they have branches all over the country.

Sharing his vision for the Bank, Dr. Gilpin revealed that he wants to  see the financial sector rise up in Sierra Leone like other African Countries. He encapsulated that he would like  to see RCBank  reach everywhere in the country and also beyond the shores of Sierra Leone .

He acknowledged that he understands that these foreign  countries have their different level of standards that may be difficult to reach as of now but they are working towards that incrementally. Speaking on Service Provision, he added he is striving to see a bank where people can have access to their accounts through their phones, and link up with banks anywhere in the  world.

He affirmed that customers outside Sierra Leone can now  use their Banking Cards with the  VISA logo  on them to do International transactions  and they  can also send money  back home to their Bank Accounts  through RCBank various Correspondent Banks In Turkey, New York, United Kingdom e.tc.

Thanking customers for Banking with RCBank and Potential Customers, Dr. Gilpin  thank  Customers for Banking with RCBank and  all  potential customers to come onboard and join RCBank as the bank for the people and by the people.




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Three most popular options to add money to your Ezipay SL Wallet


Nowadays, being in a possession of a secure, affordable and convenient way to store and transfer money is necessary. Ezipay SL which is arguably one of the leading digital wallet service in Sierra Leone allows users to manage their funds with ease.

What sets Ezipay SL apart from other digital wallets is the multiple ways in which users can add funds to their wallet, ensuring flexibility and simplicity.

Orange Money: One of the most popular and widely used mediums to add funds to your Ezipay SL wallet is through Orange Money. Orange Money is a mobile money transfer service that allows users to deposit money into their Ezipay SL wallet directly from their Orange Money account.

This secure and flexible method is ideal for individuals who prefer to use their mobile devices for financial transactions. Simply link your Orange Money account to your Ezipay SL wallet and transfer funds effortlessly.

Visa/Master Card: For those who prefer the convenience of using their debit or credit cards, Ezipay SL also offers the option to add funds using Visa or Master Card. Whether you are making a one-time deposit or regularly adding funds to your wallet, this method ensures a seamless and secure transaction.

Simply enter your card details, select the amount you wish to add, and confirm the transaction. With Ezipay SL’s robust security measures, you can rest assured that your card information is protected at all times.

Authorized Merchants: Another way to add funds to your Ezipay SL wallet is through an authorized merchants. Ezipay SL has established partnerships with numerous merchants across the country, allowing users to deposit cash into their wallet at these authorized locations.

This method is ideal for individuals who prefer to handle physical cash and may not have access to digital payment options. Simply visit a nearby authorized merchant, provide the desired amount in cash, and have it added to your Ezipay SL wallet instantly. Regardless of the method you choose, adding funds to your Ezipay SL wallet is a breeze.

With the growing popularity of digital wallets in Sierra Leone, Ezipay SL strives to provide its users with multiple options to cater to their individual preferences. By offering mediums like Orange Money, Visa/Master Card, and authorized merchants, Ezipay SL ensures that users can easily add funds to their wallet and have complete control over their finances.

Ezipay SL offers multiple ways to add funds to your wallet, providing users with the flexibility and convenience they need in today’s digital age. Whether you prefer mobile money transfers, card payments, or cash deposits, Ezipay SL has got you covered. So why wait? Take advantage of these various mediums and add funds to your Ezipay SL wallet today!

Get the app here:https://linktr.ee/ezipaysl or find it on Google Play Store or App Store. If you need help or have questions, you can contact them on WhatsApp or call +232 80 626010. They’re always there to improve your Ezipay SL experience.
#ezipaysl #justezipayit #moneytransfer #Sierraleone #Sierraleonean




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RCBank Holds Public Lecture, Awards Outstanding Customers And Agents


In a strategic move towards appreciating the good work of its Agents and Customers, RCBank has held a Public Lecture and an Award ceremony for its customers and Simkorpor Agents for their outstanding contributions towards the development of the Bank on Friday, 11th August 2023, at the D’ Bim D’ Bam Hall Wellington Street, Freetown.

Mrs. Kezia Salankole, Head of Simkorpor at RCBank, pointed out that the award ceremony is in line with the  Celebration of Simkorpor 5 years Journey. In commemoration of the event,  she further revealed  that they have looked at their journey, picked out the best of their customers and Partners that have helped them through their five-year  trajectory of Success.

 

Chairman of the Programme, Mr. Aruna Dumbuya pointed out in his Public Lecture that the Bank Prioritizes financial literacy in a bid to enhance customers Protection. He affirmed that over the years, the leadership of RCBank have been doing public Lectures at Universities and in Public Places both national and International.

He added that as a bank, they have seen how climate Change and environmental issues are impacting the world,  and they  recently celebrated  their 4th anniversary of tree Planting Project at Petifu Masiaka on 27th July 2023 in a bid to become a green friendly Bank. He added that RCBank Limited is also committed towards protecting and preserving the environment.

The Managing Director Dr.  Ekundayo Gilpin revealed that as a bank they are on a Journey, a path towards digital exploit in Sierra Leone. He admitted that he has been a customer and also experienced financial inclusion in other countries which he believes can be replicated in Sierra Leone. This led to his recognition that there was a gap in digital Banking as far as expectations and deliverables are concerns in in the country. In 2017, he realized that Sierra Leonean bank can take the lead.

When I came back in 2017, I saw an opportunity to make this happen in Sierra Leone and I believe that despite the presence of Nigerian banks, Sierra Leonean Banks, we can take the lead.  I believe 5 years down the line, I believe we have been able to make big input. We have been able to support financial transactions to vulnerable people, thousands around the world, right now we are working along with the Orange, Africell and other Teleco companies. We are piggy banking on the policies and the variables coming from the regulators. We are strongly part of the National switch and strongly part of the financial Inclusion that is being read out by the central Bank” Dr. Gilpin stated.

Representing the Ministry of Finance, Acting Director of Research and Delivery Division, Alhaji Abu Komeh expressed appreciation to the management of RCbank for giving them the opportunity to deliver a statement on digitalization in financial transactions.

He pointed out that this event marks an important milestone in emphasizing the financial sector role in enabling economic transactions, financial Inclusion, Facilitating trade, creating employment and contributing to inclusive economic growth.

He further admitted that in this age of globalization, rapid expansions on the use of green technology and innovative business approaches, the world has keep on providing digital financial services which is now a game changer in low income countries like Sierra Leone.

He affirmed that beyond, the traditional financial services offered by commercial Banks such as Account opening and credit facilities, digital financial services has become a great way to reach financially excluded communities.
RCBank recently unveiled five new kiosks as part of its Agency Banking Initiative, strategically placed at Mile 91, Rutile , and Lunsar, Kambia and Port Loko as a Key component of the bank’s vision to foster accessibility and streamline financial Processes in Sierra Leone.

As the programme climaxed with the presentation of awards, distinguish customers and Agents Praised the management of RCBank for acknowledging their roles and contributions towards the successful operations of the Bank.




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Orange Money Launches Pay With Orange Money at Conex Station


Sierra Leone’s leading mobile money service providers, Orange Money Sierra Leone, in collaboration with Conex, launched the ‘Pay with Orange Money at Conex Station’ initiative on Friday, August 18th, 2023, at Conex Fueling Station in Brookfields, Freetown.

The event aimed to enhance staff knowledge about the new customer facility and brought together employees from all Conex branches in Freetown.

David Mansaray, CEO of Orange Money Sierra Leone, expressed excitement about partnering with Conex, emphasizing Orange Money’s goal of financial digitization.

He said rheir vision is for Sierra Leone to transition into a cash-light society, reserving physical cash for extreme situations only.

Mansaray recounted a personal experience of needing fuel without physical cash, which inspired the partnership with Conex to address such challenges.

He envisioned extending Conex’s sales hours beyond 9 pm, exclusively accepting Orange Money to minimize night-time cash handling risks.

Avrajit Kar, CEO of Conex, emphasized the partnership’s significance in digitizing Sierra Leone, highlighting the convenience and transparency of using Orange Money for payments at Conex.

Abibatu Baxter, Head of Marketing Partnership and Strategy for Orange Money, detailed how to use the product on both smartphones and local phones. Smartphone users would download the Orange Money App and scan the QR code, while local phone users could dial #144# and select option 4.

The event concluded with the official launch by the CEOs of Orange Money and Conex. A promotion was introduced, offering Orange Money customers a chance to win one hundred liters of fuel for purchases made at Conex stations until the end of August.




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To Drastically Reduce Onion Importation in 2 Years… Agriculture Minister Examines Pee Cee & Sons Onion Cultivation Site in Port Loko District


In a recent announcement, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Henry Musa Kpaka, expressed his optimism about reducing onion imports to Sierra Leone in the coming years. Kpaka, who concluded his first full week in his role, visited the onion-rich region of Port Loko District and outlined plans to curtail the country’s dependency on imported onions within two and a half years.

The onion belt in Port Loko, boasting over 1,200 hectares of suitable lowland for onion cultivation, holds the key to this ambitious endeavour. The majority of onion cultivation in this area is carried out by smallholder farmers, who possess the necessary skills but face several challenges. Despite these obstacles, the potential benefits associated with the onion value chain are apparent to these farmers.

Minister Kpaka’s pivotal moment of conviction came during a visit to the Pee Cee and Sons Ltd (PCS) mechanized onion production site in Mathen village, Lokomasama Chiefdom. This site has demonstrated that Sierra Leone has the capability to significantly increase domestic onion production and thereby reduce the reliance on imports.

Pee Cee and Sons Ltd (PCS) conducted a pilot project covering 5.6 hectares of mechanized onion production last year, yielding 10 metric tons per hectare, which is below the estimated potential. However, with adjustments to soil pH, they anticipate achieving up to 30 metric tons per hectare.

Pee Cee and Sons Ltd (PCS) has strategically planned to cultivate 75 hectares during the October-December cycle and again in the February-May 2024 cycle. If these plans are executed successfully, an additional 4,500 metric tons of onions could be introduced to the market within the two cycles. To provide context, official trade data indicates that Sierra Leone imported slightly under 1,000 metric tons of onions in the entirety of 2022.

In a noteworthy initiative, Pee Cee and Sons Ltd (PCS) supported 900 smallholder farmers last year by providing inputs, mechanized plowing services, and training in sound agronomic practices for onion cultivation. The future prospects are even brighter, as Pee Cee and Sons Ltd (PCS) aims to dedicate nearly 640 hectares to onion cultivation within the next three years. These promising statistics are indicative of a potential path for Sierra Leone to transition from an onion importer to a net-exporter.

President Bio’s Feed Salone Programme, known for its strategic integration of the private sector to drive agricultural transformation, plays a significant role in this endeavour. The Government is dedicated to supporting private sector actors such as Pee Cee and Sons Ltd (PCS), recognizing that their success contributes to the overall prosperity of the nation.

As Sierra Leone sets its sights on self-sufficiency in onion production, Minister Kpaka’s enthusiasm and the progressive efforts of entities like Pee Cee and Sons Ltd (PCS) provide hope that the nation’s reliance on imported onions could be dramatically reduced within the next two years.




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Sierra Leone Tops West Africa in Highest Food Price Inflation


A recent World Bank Food Security Update has ranked Sierra Leone top in the list of countries to have recorded the highest Price Inflation in West Africa.

The study covers a period of three months starting from March to June 2023.

Awoko Newspaper reported that Sierra Leone is at the apex after Nominal Food Inflation surged to a new peak of 58 percent. The West African nation surpasses its previous peak which was 56 percent.

The new data shows that Sierra Leone is at the top alongside West African neighbours, Ghana.

According to World Bank, the calculations include the use of Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the overall data of the CPI.

Experts have said that the country’s food inflation is affecting the majority of low and middle income earners.

The government acknowledged that the country is undergoing one of its worst economic shocks due to the protracted effect of the Ukraine war and other factors.

Most of the countries affected by food inflation are in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Venezuela ranked top of the list in World Nominal Food Inflation with a score of 414 while Zimbabwe leads in Real Food Inflation with a score of 80.

Sierra Leone scores 58 in Nominal Food Inflation and 13 in Real Food Inflation.






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