The Gambia’s 2026 draft budget has drawn public attention after the Office of the President was allocated more than D740 million, an increase that underscores growing government expenditure across key ministries.

Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Seedy Keita presented the spending proposal to lawmakers on Friday, outlining billions in allocations aimed at boosting public services, infrastructure, and governance.

The draft budget earmarks D3.1 billion for the Ministry of Health, the highest allocation among all sectors, followed by D2.3 billion for the Ministry of Interior and D2 billion for the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.

While the Office of the President received D740 million, the Office of the Vice President was assigned D370 million, and the National Assembly D599 million.

Critics say the increased funding for the presidency and related offices reflects rising administrative costs amid calls for tighter fiscal discipline.

Other allocations include D1.7 billion for Agriculture, D1.3 billion for Higher Education, and D1.2 billion for Defence. The government also set aside D722 million for pensions and gratuities.

Smaller ministries such as Information, Fisheries, and Trade will share modest portions of the national budget, with allocations of D68 million, D60 million, and D172 million respectively.

The proposed 2026 budget is now before the National Assembly for debate and approval in the coming weeks.

By Adama Makasuba