By Zacharia Jalloh – Ministry of Information and Civic Education
The Minister of Finance, Sheku Fantamadi Bangura, has presented the 2026 National Budget to Parliament, outlining a comprehensive plan aimed at strengthening public service delivery, expanding employment opportunities, and enhancing the welfare of government workers across Sierra Leone.
Presenting the budget, Minister Bangura emphasised that the 2026 fiscal framework is designed to improve domestic revenue mobilisation through pro-poor and pro-business tax measures, leveraging innovative approaches to broaden the revenue base. He highlighted that the budget seeks to preserve macroeconomic stability by maintaining single-digit inflation, stabilising the exchange rate, and addressing debt vulnerabilities. Additionally, it aims to improve the business environment, boost food production, enhance food security, create jobs, and increase incomes for rural households.
A major highlight of the 2026 budget is the substantial expansion of the public sector wage bill, projected at NLe 7.9 billion. This investment will support the recruitment of thousands of new public sector workers while delivering a significant salary increase for existing civil servants. In the education sector, the government will recruit 2,500 new teachers and reassess and promote an additional 2,000 teachers effective September 2026. Tertiary institutions are also set to benefit from the recruitment of 400 new staff across universities, colleges, and technical institutes, coupled with the harmonisation of salaries for senior university leadership, including Vice-Chancellors and Principals, effective April 2026.
The health sector is expected to receive a major boost through the implementation of a previously approved recruitment plan for 3,000 health workers beginning July 2026. To further motivate and retain the public workforce, the budget provides for a 20 percent salary increase for existing civil servants, effective September 2026.
The broader public service will also be expanded through the recruitment of 700 additional civil servants and 22 core staff for local councils, scheduled to commence in July 2026. Key governance institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Audit Service, and the Electoral Commission will receive payroll adjustments to enhance their operational effectiveness and ensure improved service delivery.
These ambitious recruitment and salary enhancement measures underscore the commitment of His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio to building a stronger, more efficient public sector. By investing in the nation’s workforce, the government aims to drive long-term national development and improve public service delivery across the country.
