By Fatou Sillah
The National Assembly on Tuesday approved a D43.49 billion national budget for the 2026 fiscal year, concluding six weeks of scrutiny marked by extended debates, committee hearings, and negotiations over government spending priorities.
The appropriations bill, which authorizes all public expenditure from January 1 to December 31, 2026, represents a significant expansion of government spending. The 2026 budget rises to D43.49 billion from D37.85 billion in 2025, reflecting what officials described as shifting national priorities and increased fiscal pressures.
Government revenue—drawn from both tax and non-tax sources—is projected to increase to D32 billion, up from D29 billion in the previous year. Finance officials attribute the anticipated rise largely to stronger collection efforts within the Ministries of Interior, Health, Fisheries, and Water Resources.
The allocations include D737.8 million for the Office of the President, D649.1 million for the National Assembly, and D375.05 million for the Judiciary. The Independent Electoral Commission is set to receive D505.58 million, while the Public Service Commission is allocated D21.75 million.
Other major expenditures include D366.58 million for the National Audit Office, D1.24 billion for the Ministry of Defence, and D2.37 billion for the Ministry of Interior. The Ministry of Tourism and Culture is allocated D59.34 million, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will receive D2.11 billion.
The budget proposal was first presented to lawmakers on October 31 by the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, who urged the Assembly to consider the estimates as part of a broader effort to stabilize public finances while addressing the country’s development goals.