Theo Edwards 1/1/26 Theo Edwards 1/1/26

The Year 2026: Understanding Your Money in Simple Terms

Leaving cash in a standard bank account often results in a gradual loss of purchasing power due to inflation.

While banks are safe for storing money, some options allow your money to grow, outpace inflation, and work for you rather than lose value over time. These investment opportunities are typically available through your bank. For more information, simply ask your bank representative.

Here are some practical alternatives you might consider to make your money work for you.

Letting cash sit idle in a standard bank account means it's slowly losing purchasing power to inflation.

Here are practical alternatives you can consider to put your money to work instead:

Treasury Bills (T-Bills)

These are short-term government investments (91, 182, or 364 days).

Why: They are very safe, give better returns than a savings account, and your money is locked for a short period so you’re less tempted to spend it.

Money Market Funds

This is a mutual fund that invests in safe instruments like treasury bills and fixed deposits.

Why: You earn interest daily, can withdraw easily, and returns are usually higher than regular bank savings.

Mutual Funds (Low-Risk or Balanced Funds)

Your money is pooled and invested by professionals in bonds, treasury bills, and sometimes stocks.

Why: Professionals manage it for you, risk is spread, and returns can beat inflation over time.

Fixed Deposits / Term Deposits

You give the bank your money for a fixed period (3–24 months) at a fixed interest rate.

Why: You know exactly how much you’ll earn, and it’s safer than risky investments.

Treasury Notes & Bonds (Long-Term Government Bonds)

These are longer-term government investments that pay interest periodically.

Why: Good for long-term savings, steady income, and protection against inflation.

Dividend-Paying Stocks (Beginner Level)

Buying shares of strong companies that pay regular dividends.

Why: You earn dividends and may also benefit if the share price increases over time.

In simple terms:

The bank is good for keeping money safe, but these options help your money grow, beat inflation, and work for you instead of losing value over time.

** Footnote: ** These investments are available through your bank. For more details, simply inquire with your bank representative.

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Your Money in Simple Terms — Kay-Kay Trending Issues run on X-handle @GodsonKankani.

Theo Edwards 2/24/20 Theo Edwards 2/24/20

European Union Invests Over €18 Million

By Sylvester Samba

To boost strategic agricultural investments for job creation through the inclusion of the private sector in agriculture, the European Union (EU), with the Government of Sierra Leone, has launched 15 Grants contracts worth over 18 million Euros (€18). The project expected to benefit about 8000 farmers. Increase the quality and quantity of Cocoa, Coffee, Cashew production, processing, marketing, and trading as part of the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) and the European Union Boosting Agriculture for Food Security Project (BAFS). Also, a total of 2,205 farmers are to improve food farming techniques adaptable to climate change, increased market access, and local entrepreneurship.

The ceremony took place on Thursday 20th February 2020, at the Miatta Conference car park, in Freetown. In attendance, the country's Vice President, Dr.Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh.

The grants will enable the beneficiaries to implement activities that will promote innovative and integrated farming techniques that will enhance market linkages for smallholder farmers and build their capacities to improve on their incomes as well as food and nutrition.

It would also support women and youth employment through small and medium-sized enterprise development activities.

The initiative fits into the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry national agricultural transformation plan, which has four key priorities; rice self-sufficiency, life stock development, crop diversification, and sustainable forest and biodiversity.

Increased Production and Productivity

Permanent Secretary attached to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Mrs. Fatmata Mustapha, encouraged the recipients to take full advantage of the need to use the grants to further capacity in the increasing production and productivity along value chains.

Vice-President, Juldeh Jalloh expressed gratitude to the EU for facilitating the project; noting, that it was important for the Government’s drive for economic diversification. He said that President Julius Maada Bio, has over the years, continued to reiterate that agriculture was a priority in food-sufficiency that supports various value chains and encourages the growth of small-scale industries creating over 24,000 employment for women and youth.

The Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Francis Kai-Kai, noted the numerous challenges facing the agriculture sector ranging from low productivity, use of rudimentary technology, low-level infrastructure for marketing, among others.

These challenges recognized and addressed in the Medium Term National Development Plan (2019-2023) in cluster 2.1: Improving the productivity and commercialization of the agricultural sector.

In his statement, the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Dennis Vandi said the Ministry would provide the requisite enabling environment for the private sector, and development that would seek to improve the agriculture sector.

Tom Vens, the EU Ambassador, was convinced the new approach could unlock private investment and exploit significant opportunities in the agricultural sector with a specific focus on jobs for the youths. What was witnessed was the result of a highly competitive process in which a total of 67 applications and 15 projects emerged.

The EU support to BAFS recipients covers export cash crops and sustainable agriculture, diversification (Crops and Livestock). Support short value chains include non-formal micro-enterprises produced with artisanal methods, and a limited number of intermediaries between smallholder farmers, and the market. And support to large-scale value chains integrating formal and already well-established SMEs in the agribusiness sector.