By Jariatu S. Bangura
Members of Parliament have approved the 2025 Appropriation Act, authorizing expenditures from the Consolidated Revenue Fund to support Sierra Leone’s government services for the fiscal year 2025.
Delivering his statement on the budget, Minister of Finance Sheku Fantamadi Bangura emphasized that the 2025 budget aims to consolidate previous economic gains while fostering inclusion, resilience, and improved living standards for Sierra Leoneans. The budget’s theme, “Improving the Well-being and Quality of Life of Sierra Leoneans,” reflects these priorities.
Minister Bangura noted that achieving these goals will require continued implementation of prudent fiscal and monetary policies to ensure macroeconomic stability. He also stressed the need for sectoral and structural reforms to promote sustainable and inclusive growth, enhancing the living standards of citizens.
Reducing Inflation and Stabilizing the Exchange Rate: Efforts will focus on lowering inflation and stabilizing the exchange rate to improve household incomes, purchasing power, and overall living standards.
Prudent Public Financial Management: The government aims to create fiscal space for investments in social and economic sectors, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
The budget will support the Feed Salone Initiative to enhance food security and agricultural productivity; increased funding for infrastructure, technology, and innovation will drive productivity and economic growth.
Social safety nets will also be broadened to support vulnerable populations, fostering economic inclusion.
The government will prioritize activities that mitigate climate change risks and promote environmental sustainability among others.
Minister Bangura reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the business environment to create jobs and attract investment.
He emphasized the importance of promoting social inclusion and supporting the poor and vulnerable through expanded social protection programs.
The 2025 Appropriation Act reflects the government’s ambition to not only stabilize the economy but also ensure sustainable growth that benefits all Sierra Leoneans. Lawmakers praised the inclusive and forward-looking approach, urging its swift implementation to achieve tangible results.
