In what many are describing as a cry for economic justice, and equality hundreds of young Sierra Leoneans who have turned to self-employment through commercial bike and Kekeh (tricycle) riding are appealing passionately to the government and state authorities to immediately review and reverse the controversial agreement with Shalima Trading Company.
According to bike riders across Freetown and other major cities, the monopoly granted to Shalima Trading in the importation and sale of kekehs and motorbikes has led to unbearable price hikes that are crippling their livelihoods. They argue that prior to this monopoly, the market was open and competitive—allowing affordable access to bikes and tricycles. However, since Shalima gained exclusive control, the situation has drastically changed.
A Kekeh that previously sold between NLe 40 to 50 million now costs over NLe 80 million, while a brand-new motorbike (TVS or Niké brand) that used to cost NLe 18 to 20 million now sells between NLe 27 to 30 million. These skyrocketing prices, they claim, have made it nearly impossible for young people to start or sustain their small transport businesses.
“This monopoly is killing us,” lamented one bike rider at Upgun. “We used our savings and loans to buy these Kekehs and bikes to survive. Now, the cost is beyond reach, and we can’t even recover our investments.”
Many Sierra Leoneans see the Shalima monopoly as a threat to youth empowerment and economic inclusivity, particularly in a country where unemployment remains a pressing issue. Riders insist that the move benefits only a few business elites at the expense of thousands of struggling youths who rely on bike and Kekeh riding to feed their families.
They are therefore calling on the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and the Parliament of Sierra Leone to urgently investigate the matter and take decisive action to protect the interests of ordinary citizens.
“The government must listen to the suffering masses,” another rider said. “We are not asking for handouts; we just want fair competition and affordable prices so we can work and live with dignity.”
As the outcry grows, many civil society organizations and ordinary citizens are joining the chorus, urging transparency and fairness in trade agreements. They warn that if the situation continues unchecked, it could worsen the already difficult economic conditions and fuel more frustration among the country’s restless youth population.
