The Finance Minister, Seedy KM Keita, has presented a D52.4 billion national budget for 2026, outlining wide-ranging spending plans that place the biggest emphasis on social services, human capital development and continued economic recovery.

Tabling the Appropriation Bill before the National Assembly, Mr Keita said the economy is projected to grow by 5.9% in 2025, driven by improvements in agriculture, services and renewed investor confidence.

He told lawmakers that the government’s budget strategy for 2026 is anchored on protecting vulnerable households, strengthening essential services and consolidating macroeconomic stability.

At the centre of the proposal is a D18.6 billion allocation to the social sectors, accounting for 35.3% of the entire national budget.

The minister said the government deliberately prioritised health, education and agriculture, arguing that investments in these areas are “critical for long-term inclusive growth”.

The health sector is expected to receive increased funding to support hospital infrastructure, disease surveillance and essential medicine supply.

The education sector will benefit from expanded teacher training, classroom construction and curriculum reforms.

Agriculture, Mr Keita added, will receive support for mechanisation programmes, fertiliser subsidies and climate-resilient farming initiatives.

Beyond social spending, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to Public Financial Management reforms.

Key initiatives include further strengthening Programme-Based Budgeting, improving fiscal transparency and fully operationalising the Anti-Corruption Commission, which is expected to enhance accountability across public institutions.

Mr Keita also highlighted measures aimed at domestic revenue mobilisation, including reforms in tax administration, efforts to widen the tax base and stricter enforcement of compliance.

In his concluding remarks, the finance minister expressed gratitude to President Adama Barrow and development partners, describing their support as vital to sustaining ongoing reforms.

He also acknowledged the National Assembly’s role in ensuring oversight, scrutiny and collaboration throughout the budget cycle.

By Adama Makasuba