By George M.O. Williams
Freetown – August 31, 2026: Statistics Sierra Leone has reported that the annual national consumer price inflation for July 2026 stood at 14.89 percent, a slight increase of 0.12 percentage points from 14.77 percent in June.
The monthly inflation rate slowed to 0.42 percent, down from 1.57 percent in June, reflecting pressures in food prices despite continued increases in non‑food categories.
Key Trends
- Food and non‑alcoholic beverages: Annual inflation fell to 5.74 percent in July, down from 6.79 percent in June. Month‑on‑month, food prices declined by 0.32 percent.
- Non‑food inflation: Rose to 22.11 percent in July, up from 21.03 percent in June.
- Housing, water, electricity, gas and fuels: Continued to surge, climbing to 83.72 percent year‑on‑year.
- Transport: Declined to 37.04 percent in July, down from 40.23 percent in June.
- Clothing and footwear: Rose to 6.26 percent, up from 3.28 percent in June.
- Health: Increased to 11.04 percent, compared to 9.25 percent in June.
Month‑on‑Month Movements
- Upward movers included alcoholic beverages and tobacco (2.02%), clothing and footwear (2.50%), and communication (1.34%).
- Downward movers were led by transport (-2.94%), housing and utilities (3.79%), and food (-0.32%).
- Education services remained unchanged both year‑on‑year and month‑on‑month.
Broader Context
The July CPI figures highlight a mixed inflation landscape: while food inflation eased, non‑food categories—particularly housing and utilities—continue to exert upward pressure on the overall index.
The report underscores the challenge of balancing rising costs in essential services with moderating food prices, a dynamic that will shape household spending and policy responses in the coming months.