Bank of Sierra Leone Cuts Key Interest Rate to 18.75% to Spur Growth


The Bank of Sierra Leone (BSL) has cut its benchmark interest rate by three percentage points, lowering the cost of borrowing for businesses and individuals.

The decision, approved by the BSL Board of Directors on September 24, 2025, lowers the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) to 18.75 percent. The move was recommended by the bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) following a meeting on September 23, chaired by Governor Dr. Ibrahim L. Stevens.

The rate reduction is aimed at stimulating private sector investment and comes amid a backdrop of declining inflation and a more stable economic environment.

“The improved domestic macroeconomic conditions are expected to cushion the effects of… global risks,” the central bank stated, justifying the policy shift.

The committee pointed to a significant drop in inflation, which fell to 5.85 percent in August 2025, as a key factor in its decision. This decline was attributed to lower global commodity prices, prudent government policies, and a relatively stable exchange rate.

Furthermore, the economy is projected to grow by 4.5 percent in 2025, driven by improvements in agriculture, services, and mining. The medium-term outlook remains positive, with growth expected to average 4.7 percent in 2026 and 2027.

Other positive indicators cited include a narrowed fiscal deficit, a surplus in the trade balance, and a decline in the government’s borrowing costs, which frees up fiscal space.

Effective September 26, 2025, the new rates are as follows:

  • Monetary Policy Rate (MPR): 18.75%
  • Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR): 21.75%
  • Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR): 12.25%

The MPC also urged commercial banks to increase lending to the private sector and called for intensified regulatory oversight to address threats like non-performing loans and cybersecurity risks.

The committee affirmed its commitment to maintaining low inflation and financial stability, stating it will “stand ready to recommend an adjustment of the monetary policy stance should risks to the inflation outlook change.”

The next MPC meeting is scheduled for December 18, 2025.




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World Food Programme (WFP) Expression of Interest (EOI) – All Logistics Services


The United Nations World Food Programme, Sierra Leone (WFP) invites interested companies with a proven track record of relevant experience to submit their Expression of Interest for the provision of the following services:

1. Provision of Road Transport (Food and Non-Food Items) to all locations in Sierra Leone.
2. Third Party Logistics Services, field-level warehousing, transport, and food handling.
3. Commodity handling, Labour, and Warehouse Cleaning Services.
4. Vehicle Workshop Waste Management Services.
5. Break bulk food import clearing and forwarding, logistics operations.

All interested and qualified companies are requested to email WFP at [email protected] with ‘logistics vendor EOI’ in the subject, to request a vendor questionnaire.

WFP is interested in receiving Expressions of Interest nationally and has offices in Freetown, Makeni and Kenema.

The closing date for the EOI is 10 November at 18:00 and interested vendors are encouraged to submit their EOI before this date.

This Invitation for Expression of Interest does not amount to a commitment on the part of WFP either financially or otherwise. WFP reserves the right to accept or reject any or all requests for a questionnaire with no further obligation on the part of WFP.




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World Food Programme (WFP) Expression of Interest (EOI) – All Logistics Services


The United Nations World Food Programme, Sierra Leone (WFP) invites interested companies with a proven track record of relevant experience to submit their Expression of Interest for the provision of the following services:

1. Provision of Road Transport (Food and Non-Food Items) to all locations in Sierra Leone.
2. Third Party Logistics Services, field-level warehousing, transport, and food handling.
3. Commodity handling, Labour, and Warehouse Cleaning Services.
4. Vehicle Workshop Waste Management Services.
5. Break bulk food import clearing and forwarding, logistics operations.

All interested and qualified companies are requested to email WFP at [email protected] with ‘logistics vendor EOI’ in the subject, to request a vendor questionnaire.

WFP is interested in receiving Expressions of Interest nationally and has offices in Freetown, Makeni and Kenema.

The closing date for the EOI is 10 November at 18:00 and interested vendors are encouraged to submit their EOI before this date.

This Invitation for Expression of Interest does not amount to a commitment on the part of WFP either financially or otherwise. WFP reserves the right to accept or reject any or all requests for a questionnaire with no further obligation on the part of WFP.




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