Government Prioritizes Domestic Revenue Growth in 2026 Budget
By: Gibrilla Kamara
The eagerly awaited 2026 Appropriation Budget was on Friday, 28th November 2025, officially presented to Parliament by the Minister of Finance, Sheku Fantamadi Bangura. This year’s budget carries the theme: “Enhancing Domestic Revenue Mobilization for Sustained Economic Stability and Improved Service Delivery.”
The Appropriation Act 2026, which authorizes government expenditure from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, was laid before Members of Parliament as part of the annual national financial cycle.
During his presentation, Minister Bangura announced that the total budget for the 2026 fiscal year stands at NLe 2.85 billion, to be allocated across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). He emphasized that the central objective of the budget is to strengthen domestic revenue mobilization, support innovative revenue streams, and sustain efforts toward fiscal consolidation.
Minister Bangura underscored that maintaining macroeconomic stability, building economic resilience, and improving the living standards of citizens remain top priorities for the government. He noted that the sharp decline in external development financing has widened the funding gap for implementing the National Development Plan — making it imperative for the government to intensify domestic revenue efforts.
Outlining the tax policy and administrative measures for 2026, the Minister projected an increase in economic activity, with domestic revenue expected to rise to NLe 22.2 billion, representing 11.8% of GDP. This reflects growth from an estimated NLe 27.9 billion or 10.8% of GDP in 2025.
The budget now awaits parliamentary debate, scrutiny, and approval.