By Emma Black

The Ministry of Finance on Thursday, January 15, 2026, commenced a three-day Strategic Management Retreat aimed at reviewing its 2025 performance and strengthening preparations for the rollout of economic policies in 2026.

The retreat brings together the leadership and senior management staff of the ministry to assess achievements and challenges encountered in 2025, while also reviewing the 2024–2026 Strategic Plan to ensure alignment with government priorities.

Opening the retreat, Financial Secretary Matthew Dingie welcomed participants and emphasized that the engagement provides an opportunity to critically examine the ministry’s overall performance, including that of its departments, and to develop strategies for the year ahead.

He acknowledged that 2025 presented significant economic challenges, but noted that by the close of the year, the economic management team had met almost all key macroeconomic targets. Dingie commended staff of the Ministry of Finance and other institutions within the economic management team for their dedication in meeting benchmarks and targets agreed with development partners—efforts he said could unlock additional funding opportunities for the country.

The Financial Secretary further underscored the Ministry’s central responsibility in mobilising resources to finance government programmes and projects. He explained that this responsibility informed the theme of the retreat:
Repositioning the Ministry of Finance to Enhance Domestic Revenue Mobilisation for Sustainable Economic Stability and Service Delivery.

Dingie urged directors and senior officials to develop practical policies and programmes for 2026 that directly support the government’s Big Five Agenda, ensuring tangible impact on national development.

Speaking at the retreat, Deputy Minister of Finance I, Kadiatu Allie, described the gathering as a vital moment for reflection on past achievements and challenges, as well as a platform to identify areas for improvement. She noted that the retreat should also strengthen leadership accountability and transparency across the ministry.

Deputy Minister Allie highlighted the importance of consolidating gains in budget credibility and processes, debt management, domestic revenue mobilisation, and financial and macroeconomic reforms. She also called for improved expenditure management and more impactful social spending, particularly in education, health, agriculture, and local councils.

The three-day retreat features a series of presentations and discussions, including sessions on leadership and professionalism led by Consultant Modupe Taylor-Pearce, reviews of the revised Civil Service Code and Rules, updates on the ministry’s Strategic Plan, engagements on economic programmes with development partners, and other key administrative matters.

The retreat is expected to strengthen the Ministry of Finance’s capacity to deliver sound economic governance and drive sustainable growth in 2026 and beyond.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 19th January 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)