The Government of Sierra Leone is set to present what senior officials describe as “one of the most pro-people budgets in recent years,” as the Minister of Finance prepares to lay the 2026 National Budget and Finance Bill before Parliament.

According to documents from the Ministry of Finance, the upcoming Budget prioritizes strengthening basic service delivery, boosting job creation and maintaining macroeconomic stability at a time when global uncertainty and regional shocks continue to affect economies across West Africa.

Despite ongoing global challenges, recent economic assessments show that Sierra Leone is experiencing modest growth, a more stable currency and improving fiscal stability. Officials say these gains now place the country “at par, and sometimes ahead” of several ECOWAS nations facing similar economic pressures.

The Finance Bill 2026 outlines several bold measures intended to ease the cost of living for ordinary citizens. Among the most impactful provisions is the zero-rating of LPG gas, cooking stoves, solar panels and home energy systems; steps that will make clean cooking and renewable energy more affordable and accessible nationwide.

“This is a direct relief for households,” a senior Ministry of Finance official noted. “It is pro-poor, pro-women and pro-health.”

In addition, the Bill proposes higher customs duties on imported tomato paste, water, ketchup and maggi cubes. Those measures are designed to protect local manufacturers from unfairly cheap imports and stimulate job creation across the manufacturing sector.

To fulfil Sierra Leone’s commitments under the IMF-supported programme, the 2026 Budget targets an additional NLe 2.85 billion in revenue. Authorities emphasize that this will be generated primarily through improved tax compliance, reduced leakages and fairer tax adjustments; not through imposing burdens on low-income households.

A nationwide public engagement plan led by the Ministry of Information is expected to follow the Budget’s presentation. The campaign will prioritize clarity, transparency and real-time fact-checking, ensuring that citizens clearly understand the policies, benefits and changes outlined in the Budget and Finance Bill.

As anticipation builds, officials say the 2026 Budget reflects the Government’s commitment to inclusive growth, social protection and economic resilience. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/finance-minister-set-to-table-one-of-sierra-leones-most-pro-people-budgets-for-2026/