The government of Sierra Leone has announced a series of key governance priorities to be funded in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2026 (FY2026) Budget, initiatives deemed foundational for effective governance and credible elections in 2028.

The priorities, outlined in a Budget Call Circular from the Ministry of Finance, include a nationwide Population and Housing Census, a comprehensive review of the 1991 Constitution, and the creation of two new administrative districts.

All Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) are mandated to incorporate the full costs of these strategic activities into their individual budget submissions, which are due by August 29, 2025.

The proposed Population and Housing Census aims to generate current demographic and housing data essential for national development planning, the redrawing of constituency boundaries, and equitable resource distribution. The last national census was conducted in 2021, and updated statistics are considered vital for informed policy decisions.

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Also slated for review in FY2026 is the 1991 Constitution. This long-anticipated review seeks to align Sierra Leone’s legal framework with international democratic standards, enhance transparency, and promote broader political participation. The current constitution has been the subject of reform debates for over a decade.

The demarcation of two new administrative districts is another significant aspect of the budget framework. This initiative, according to the Ministry of Finance, is intended to decentralize governance, improve service delivery, and strengthen local government structures. The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD) will lead this process.

Beyond domestic reforms, the FY2026 budget also signals Sierra Leone’s ambition to play a more proactive role within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), with plans to increase its diplomatic and leadership presence in the regional bloc.

These core governance priorities are consistent with the country’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024–2030) and the government’s broader “Big Five Game Changers” framework, which focuses on economic transformation, social cohesion, and institutional effectiveness.”