BY ALISIOUS KONGOΒ
On Thursday, 11th September, the Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development held a national policy hearing in Freetown ahead of bilateral budget discussions with Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and key stakeholders.
The session, held under the theme βEnhancing Traditional and Innovative Sources of Domestic Revenue Mobilization to Finance the Big Five Game Changers,β was structured in two parts: policy statements from key stakeholders, followed by presentations on planned reforms.
Speakers underscored the critical role of the national budget in shaping the countryβs development path. They outlined challenges, observations, and proposed reforms, encouraging all government offices to embrace the policies as guiding principles for the 2026 budget.
Vice President Hon. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, delivering the keynote address, emphasized the need for Sierra Leone to add value to its mining sector in order to strengthen the economy. He highlighted the governmentβs focus on tackling corruption and financial leakages, improving accountability and transparency, and ensuring inclusive policymaking that engages all citizens. He further stressed that the private sector will serve as the main vehicle for driving economic growth.
Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Kenyeh Barley, described the budget process as the beginning of βsomething great.β She explained that her ministryβs role is to move projects beyond paper into action, noting that the true measure of progress lies in how spending transforms lives.
Minister of Finance, Sheku Fantamadi Bangura, the lead architect of the policy and budget process, outlined the countryβs current economic realities and ongoing reforms. He assured stakeholders that his priority is to ensure ordinary Sierra Leoneans feel the benefits of economic growth. He pointed to improvements in taxation and the governmentβs stronger participation in mining contracts, praising the new mining law that secures state ownership and protects national interests across administrations.
The session concluded with a reminder that budgeting is about making choices, not just finances. Officials were urged to maintain fiscal discipline as the country prepares for the 2026 budget.
