On Friday, November 28th, Finance Minister Sheku Fantamadi Bangura presented an Appropriation Bill that anchors Sierra Leone’s 2026 national budget on two major pillars: economic growth and protection of the country’s most vulnerable citizens. The budget speech, delivered in Parliament, focused on economic stability, revenue mobilisation, and a strengthened social protection framework designed to shield people from the pressures of a changing economy. The fiscal plan is intentionally crafted to be both pro-growth and pro-people.
The Appropriation Bill also outlines key infrastructure and macroeconomic measures intended to directly support the poor, the elderly, and individuals struggling with addiction signalling the government’s commitment to equitable development.
At the core of this compassion-driven budget is a significant expansion of direct financial assistance. Through the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA), the government will provide direct cash transfers to 20,000 extremely poor households across the country. This intervention offers a critical safety net, enabling families to meet essential needs such as food, healthcare, and education for their children without sinking further into poverty.
“This is not just a line item; it is a lifeline,” said a civil society advocate from the Budget Advocacy Network. “Putting money directly into the hands of those who need it most is one of the most effective ways to reduce immediate hardship and stimulate local economies.”
The budget further strengthens support for the elderly by allocating cash transfers to all registered persons aged 75 and above an initiative that recognizes the challenges faced by senior citizens and helps them live with dignity in their later years.
In response to the national public health emergency posed by drug abuse, especially the devastating Kush epidemic, the budget allocates substantial funding to combat the crisis. A total of NLe 6.0 million is earmarked for drug rehabilitation centres under the Ministry of Social Welfare.
“This funding is a crucial step towards treating addiction as the health crisis it is,” noted a public health specialist. “It moves the needle from mere enforcement to rehabilitation, offering hope and a path to recovery for thousands of young people and their families.”
An additional NLe 10.0 million is allocated to the National Public Health Agency specifically for responding to Kush and other narcotics-related emergencies demonstrating a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach to tackling drug abuse.
To protect low-income households from potential shocks caused by revenue measures, the government has introduced significant pro-poor tax exemptions. In a move praised by consumer rights groups, the budget exempts Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG), cooking stoves, solar panels, and related components from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and import duty. This measure is expected to reduce the cost of clean cooking and energy solutions primarily used by low-income families.
“This is a smart and compassionate policy,” said an energy sector entrepreneur. “It makes clean energy more affordable, helps families manage their budgets, reduces indoor air pollution, and supports national climate goals. It’s a win-win.”
By integrating strong social protection measures into its wider economic agenda, the 2026 budget sends a clear message: Sierra Leone’s development must be inclusive. The government appears committed to the principle that a nation cannot truly prosper if its most vulnerable citizens are left behind.