The Ministry of Finance has concluded its bilateral budget discussions for the fiscal year 2026, expressing optimism about the outcomes. During the closing session held on September 27, 2025, Principal Deputy Financial Secretary Samuel E.B. Momoh explained that these discussions are a key step to ensure transparency, accountability, and stakeholder participation in preparing the national budget.
Momoh indicated that the next phase will be a budget retreat where figures from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) will be compiled into a statement for Cabinet approval before being enacted by Parliament.
Director of the Budget Bureau Tasiima Jah said this year’s talks were aligned with government priorities such as the Big Five Game Changers, the National Development Plan, and innovative strategies for domestic revenue mobilization. Jah acknowledged MDAs that adhered to their budget ceilings but noted that some agencies would have further engagements during technical sessions at the upcoming retreat.
Jah also expressed appreciation for contributions from District Budget Oversight Committee members, non-state actors, civil society organizations, and media representatives: “He commended Ministries, Departments, and Agencies that presented budgets within ceilings and admonished them that this is not the end of the process, noting that further bilateral engagements with certain MDAs will continue during the technical sessions in the retreat.” He added: “Director Jah thanked the District Budget Oversight Committee members (DBOCs), Non-State Actors (NSAs), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and the Media for their participation to promote accountability and transparency in the process.”
For 2026 activities and programs aimed at improving revenue collection, the Ministry of Finance proposed a budget estimate of NLE 154.75 million.
Alhaji Abu Komeh, Acting Director of Research and Delivery Division at the ministry, reviewed achievements from 2025 including enactment of finance legislation to support domestic revenue efforts; ongoing implementation of tax exemption rationalization; support for electronic cash registers; excise tax stamp systems; updates on quarterly borrowing plans; debt transparency reporting; collaboration with international partners such as IMF and World Bank on debt management assessments; annual debt sustainability analysis; updates to medium-term debt strategy; monitoring IMF program targets ahead of Sierra Leone’s performance reviews under its Extended Credit Facility Program; overseeing development policy operations tied to direct World Bank support worth $60 million.
Separately, Sierra Leone Roads Authority submitted a budget proposal totaling NLE 160 million for major road projects in areas such as Kabala–Falaba, Kainadugu Koidu-Kamiendor, Bo City and Kenema. Engineer Alfred J. Momodu stated preparations are underway for construction on roads like Kambia–Tomparie–Kamakwie (105 km) as well as second-phase bridge works.