His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio has issued a clear directive to Cabinet particularly to the Minister of Finance, Honourable Sheku Fantamadi Bangura to design the 2026 National Budget in a manner that reduces the economic burden on families and households. According to impeccable sources, the President has specifically called for a fiscal plan that prioritizes household relief and aligns Sierra Leone with regional economic standards.
In this decisive effort to shape the nation’s economic trajectory, President Bio has instructed that the 2026 Budget be anchored in fairness, inclusivity, and people-centered development. The directive reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening basic service delivery and state institutions, even amid ongoing global economic challenges.
Central to the budget’s “pro-people” orientation are proposed measures aimed at reducing the cost of living for ordinary Sierra Leoneans. Notably, the removal of duties on LPG gas and solar technologies is being considered an initiative designed to make clean cooking and renewable energy more affordable, thereby cushioning households against inflationary pressures. Notably, the removal of duties on LPG gas and solar technologies is being considered an initiative designed to make clean cooking and renewable energy more affordable, thereby cushioning households against inflationary pressures.
“We cannot control global fuel prices or external shocks,” a senior presidential aide stated, “but we can and will cushion our households and protect the most vulnerable. This budget is the instrument for that.”
The 2026 Finance Bill will also confront a major fiscal challenge: Sierra Leone’s tax-to-GDP ratio, currently at 9.8%, remains one of the lowest in West Africa and far below the ECOWAS benchmark of 20%. Officials emphasize that the upcoming reforms are not intended to punish taxpayers but to close tax loopholes, curb revenue manipulation, and improve compliance. These measures aim to strengthen the state’s ability to fund essential public services and enhance long-term national stability.
The budget, expected to be presented in Parliament on Friday, 28th November, will serve as a crucial test of the government’s capacity to balance immediate household relief with the structural reforms required for sustainable economic growth.