Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Finance said on Monday it will begin preparations for the 2026 national budget this week, starting with policy hearings and consultations aimed at boosting domestic revenue and aligning spending with the government’s medium-term development plan.
The process will open on Sept. 11 with a National Policy Hearing at the Freetown International Conference Centre under the theme “Enhancing Traditional, whilst Introducing Innovative Domestic Revenue Mobilization Strategies to Finance the Big Five Game Changers.”
The hearings will bring together ministers, deputy ministers, professional heads, vote controllers and members of the parliamentary budget committee to discuss sectoral policies, the ministry said in a public notice.
From Sept. 18–27, bilateral budget discussions will be held at the Ministry of Finance with all ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs). These talks will focus on revenue generation, expenditure allocation and project implementation.
MDAs have been directed to submit strategic plans and budget proposals, including detailed analyses of ongoing projects and costs, in advance of their scheduled sessions.
Representatives from development partners, non-governmental organisations and civil society are also invited to participate in the consultative meetings.
The Ministry of Finance said the exercise is intended to strengthen transparency and ensure that allocations are aligned with national priorities.
By Francis Kanu
