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The Government of Sierra Leone has issued a directive to all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), instructing them not to propose any new capital projects for the 2026 fiscal year.
The measure, outlined in the FY2026 Budget Call Circular, is part of broader efforts to manage public expenditure and channel limited resources towards completing existing development commitments.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the decision aims to consolidate ongoing capital projects by integrating them into the country’s medium-term Public Investment Programme (PIP). The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) is expected to work closely with MDAs to rationalize and prioritize these projects accordingly.
Financial Secretary Matthew Dingie emphasized the importance of compliance with the Public Financial Management Act 2016, the Public Procurement Act 2016, and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Act 2014 in the budget preparation process. He further underscored that all budget submissions must be aligned with national fiscal rules and existing legal frameworks.
MDAs have also been directed to prepare comprehensive strategic plans, including defined policy objectives, performance indicators, timelines, and cost estimates. These plans must align with the National Development Plan and fall within the resource ceilings provided by the Budget Bureau. The government also stressed the importance of inclusive planning, calling for input from civil society, non-governmental organizations, and internal budget committees.
The directive comes amid mounting economic pressure, with Sierra Leone’s total public debt standing at US$3.1 billion as of December 2024. Debt servicing consumed approximately 50% of domestic revenue in the first half of 2025, according to official data. By limiting new spending commitments and focusing on ongoing initiatives, the government aims to enhance fiscal discipline and promote the efficient use of public funds.
