Finance Minister Set to Table a Strongly Pro-People Budget for 2026
The Government of Sierra Leone is preparing to present what senior officials describe as “one of the most pro-people budgets in recent years,” as the Minister of Finance readies the 2026 National Budget and the accompanying Finance Bill for parliamentary approval.
According to internal Ministry of Finance documents, the 2026 Budget prioritises strengthening basic service delivery, boosting job creation, and safeguarding macroeconomic stability—despite persistent global uncertainty and regional shocks affecting economies across West Africa.
Recent analyses suggest that Sierra Leone is now experiencing modest economic growth, a relatively stable currency, and improving fiscal conditions. Officials say these positive trends place the country “on par with, and in some cases ahead of,” several ECOWAS member states facing similar economic pressures.
A key highlight of the Finance Bill is a set of bold measures designed to reduce the cost of living for ordinary families. Notably, the Bill proposes zero-rating LPG gas, cooking stoves, solar panels, and other home energy systems. The move is expected to make clean cooking and renewable energy solutions more affordable and accessible to households nationwide.
“This is direct relief for households,” a senior Ministry of Finance official told reporters. “It’s pro-poor, pro-women, and pro-health.”
The Finance Bill also proposes increased customs duties on imported tomato paste, bottled water, ketchup, and maggi cubes—measures aimed at shielding local industries from the impact of cheap imports and creating more jobs for Sierra Leoneans.
To meet the country’s obligations under the IMF-supported programme, the 2026 Budget seeks to mobilise an additional NLe 2.85 billion in revenue. This will come primarily from improved compliance, reduced leakages, and fairer tax adjustments rather than harsh new taxes.
The announcement will be accompanied by a national public engagement campaign led by the Ministry of Information. The initiative will focus on public clarity, transparency, and fact-checking to ensure citizens understand the full scope of the measures being proposed.
