The National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) has submitted a budget request of NLE 15,000,000 for the 2026 fiscal year during bilateral budget discussions held at the Ministry of Finance.
Dr. Susan Robert, Senior Director for Program Development and Quality Assurance at NaCSA, stated that in 2025 the commission implemented several projects funded by both government and partner organizations. She highlighted the Sierra Leone Community-Driven Development Project (SRCD2), which has a total value of $51.93 million and is funded by the Islamic Development Bank with counterpart funding from the Government of Sierra Leone. Another key project mentioned was the $42 million Productive Social Safety Net and Youth Employment Project (PSSYNE), a World Bank-funded initiative running from 2023 to 2027 that expands cash transfers and youth employment opportunities nationwide.
Dr. Robert said, “the commission was able to train and provide grants to about 8,000 rural youths, with 4,000 of them developing business plans and learning money management skills to ensure responsible use of funds and the creation of 13,010 jobs through labour-intensive and green public works.”
She also noted that two self-financed projects—the Community-Driven Development Project (CDDP) and Rapporteur Program—were each allocated 69.7 million leones by the government.
Looking ahead to 2026, Dr. Robert explained that NaCSA aims to expand social protection coverage to reach 10,000 youths and provide income support to 20,000 households living in extreme poverty. The commission also plans to complete a palm oil mill in Bonthe district expected to create around 1,500 job opportunities for young people, construct community infrastructure projects, and rehabilitate over 53 kilometers of feeder roads.
The Ministry of Transport and Aviation also presented its proposed budget ceiling for fiscal year 2026 at NLE 73,431,700. Director Hindolo Shiaka said that with adequate support, agencies under the ministry—including SLRSA, SLPHA, SLCAA, and SLMA—could generate revenue from various sources such as vehicle licenses, port royalties paid by concessionaries, aerodrome certification charges, landing fees, vessel registrations, and air navigation charges.
Mr. Shiaka pointed out ongoing challenges facing the sector: “a lack of Information Technology infrastructure to host baseline transport sector data like government vehicles in circulation; passenger throughput at the airport; number of vessels calling on our port; and number of ships flying the Sierra Leone flag—all in one place.”
He further informed stakeholders that the ministry would continue implementing connectivity initiatives including agricultural market infrastructure projects. The ministry will also review its National Vehicle Fleet Policy and develop a database for government vehicles.