The Government of Sierra Leone has unveiled its 2025 Citizens Budget, totaling NLe 35.3 billion, aimed at addressing socio-economic challenges and promoting sustainable development.

The budget has received both praise and criticism from various stakeholders, including citizens, policy analysts, and civil society organizations.

The budget outlines a projected revenue of NLe 27.9 billion, resulting in a budget deficit of NLe 7.5 billion, which marks a significant increase from NLe 2.6 billion in 2024.

Domestic revenue is expected to reach NLe 18.9 billion, supplemented by external grants totaling NLe 9.0 billion, primarily from the World Bank and the European Union.

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The health sector has been allocated NLe 1.5 billion, accounting for 9% of the total budget, an increase from 7% in 2024 but still below the Abuja Declaration target of 15%. Key initiatives include:

Expansion of Peripheral Health Units from 1,600 to 2,000, construction of a National Cancer Diagnosis Center and regional hospitals, goals to reduce maternal mortality to 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030, halving infant mortality and achieving a 10% reduction in out-of-pocket health expenses by 2030, recruitment of 3,000 new health workers in July 2025, and a 15% salary increase for health workers effective April 2025

Public health advocates have expressed concerns that the funding remains inadequate to meet the growing healthcare demands.

The education sector received NLe 3.4 billion, or 20% of the primary expenditure. Planned interventions include:

Hiring 2,000 additional teachers by September 2025, a 15% pay raise for teachers, continued support for the Free Quality School Education (FQSE) program, and expanded subsidies to ease parental financial burdens

While those measures have been welcomed, concerns about infrastructure gaps and overcrowded classrooms persist.

The energy sector will receive NLe 127.3 million from the domestic capital budget, along with NLe 875 million in subsidies for the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) to clear debts.

International support from the World Bank, African Development Bank (AfDB), and Indian EXIM Bank has also been secured. However, frequent blackouts in rural areas have led to calls for improved rural electrification.

The agriculture sector has been allocated NLe 1.3 billion, representing 8% of the budget. Critics argue that this funding is insufficient to implement the government’s ‘Feed Salone’ food security initiative effectively.

The government plans a significant recruitment drive, including: 1,000 civil servants, 500 tertiary education staff, 600 military personnel, 1,000 police recruits, 1,000 for the Correctional Services, and 200 for the National Fire Force

Salary and pension adjustments include a 30% raise for civil servants in Grades 8-14, a 15% raise for security forces, and a 25% increase in pensions, all effective April 2025. While those increases have been welcomed, concerns remain about their sustainability amid a growing deficit.

The water and sanitation sector has received only NLe 118.8 million, which experts warn is underfunded and could strain public health and access to basic amenities, particularly in informal settlements.

The budget has raised several public concerns, including: Debt Servicing; Interest payments are projected at NLe 7.4 billion, up from NLe 4.1 billion in 2024; Deficit Issues: The fiscal deficit of NLe 7.5 billion has raised alarms among economists; Transparency: Civil society groups are calling for stronger oversight mechanisms; Regional Inequality: Critics have highlighted perceived neglect of resource-rich regions like Tonkolili in budget allocations.

The 2025 Citizens Budget reflects the government’s intent to invest in human capital and infrastructure while promoting economic growth. However, stakeholders emphasize the need for equitable resource distribution, transparent fund utilization, and effective implementation to ensure meaningful impact.