Finance Minister Justifies 5% Import Duty on Rice to Boost Local Production

The Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, has defended the restoration of the 5% import duty tax on imported rice, emphasizing its dual role in bolstering Government revenue while fostering and safeguarding local rice production.

In response to queries from Members of Parliament during the discussion on the FY 2024 Finance Act, the Minister underscored that this levy not only contributes to Government income but also buttresses the Feed Salone program by channeling these funds specifically to support rice cultivation.

Highlighting further aspects of the Act, the Minister outlined exemptions on GST for agricultural equipment and machinery imports, alongside efforts to broaden the tax bracket and enhance tax administration efficiency.

The FY 2024 Finance Act encompasses a spectrum of changes, including modifications in excise duties on alcohol and sugary beverages, alterations in taxes concerning cigarettes, cement, and iron rods, as well as a reduction in Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) for loss-making businesses, and the introduction of excise tax on gambling.

In a Government Press Briefing, Financial Secretary Matthew Dingie clarified that the rice import duty, previously suspended in 2009 due to global circumstances, resulted in an annual loss of approximately 18 million dollars for the Government. He emphasized that this exemption did not significantly affect the cost of a bag of rice.

Dingie referenced various low-income African countries imposing higher import duties on rice to support local farmers, citing examples such as Nigeria (70%), Malawi (35%), Rwanda (35%), and The Gambia (73%). Sierra Leone maintains one of the lowest rates in Sub-Saharan Africa.

He elaborated on the Government’s intention to establish pricing formulas for rice, cement and iron rods, ensuring fair pricing for these vital commodities in the interest of citizens.

Moreover, Dingie announced the Government’s plan to create an Agriculture Fund Account using revenue from the rice tax. This fund aims to bolster the Feed Salone Program, diminish rice imports and amplify local production by empowering local farmers through targeted projects.

The Calabash Newspaper The Calabash Newspaper

The Calabash Newspaper Established in 2017, The Calabash Newspaper serves as a trusted platform for news and general information dissemination, catering to a broad Sierra Leonean audience both at home and abroad through its active presence on social media. The publication is committed to engaging its diverse readership by reporting on topical news events in Sierra Leone, enriched with editorials and insightful commentaries on pressing issues of the day. In addition to local news, The Calabash Newspaper expands its scope to include topics of continental interest, drawing from various international publications that address political, economic, and social developments across Africa.

See Full Bio