By Josephine Sesay
The Ministry of Finance, in partnership with UNICEF, has validated the National Disability and Child-Focused Social Sector Budget Briefs in a move aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and public investment in programmes that support children and persons with disabilities across Sierra Leone.
The validation workshop, held at the Ministry of Finance Conference Hall on George Street in Freetown, brought together government officials, development partners, and other key stakeholders to review social sector budget allocations and implementation. The exercise forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure that public resources are effectively managed to improve the welfare of vulnerable populations.
Chairing the workshop, the Ministry’s Deputy Director of Budget, Dr. Ilara Mahdi, described the validation exercise as an important milestone in strengthening evidence-based budgeting and improving service delivery. He emphasized the need for sustained investment in key sectors such as healthcare, nutrition, education, and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), noting that these sectors are essential to improving the lives of children and persons with disabilities.
UNICEF Representative Mariko Kagoshima commended the Government of Sierra Leone for maintaining macroeconomic stability despite challenging global economic conditions. She praised efforts to reduce fiscal deficits and strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation while continuing to protect essential social services.
Kagoshima, however, noted that rising debt servicing obligations continue to place pressure on the national budget. She called for increased investment in immunisation, nutrition, school WASH facilities, social protection programmes, and improved school management systems. She also stressed the importance of ensuring the timely release and transparent use of budgeted funds to maximise their impact.
Financial Secretary Matthew Dingie expressed appreciation to UNICEF for supporting the development of the budget briefs, describing them as valuable planning tools that will help shape future government policies and budget priorities.
He revealed that preparations for the 2027 National Budget are already underway, with particular emphasis being placed on data relating to children’s welfare, including school enrolment and attendance. According to him, recommendations contained in the validated budget briefs will be progressively integrated into the government’s Medium-Term Budgeting Framework.
Mr. Dingie further disclosed that approximately 2.2 percent of government programme allocations currently support child-focused interventions, including the Free Quality School Education Programme and transportation initiatives aimed at increasing access to education.
He also highlighted that Sierra Leone’s programme under the International Monetary Fund’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) places significant emphasis on social spending, with budget implementation monitored every six months to ensure continued investment in priority sectors despite global economic uncertainties and rising fuel prices.
The workshop concluded with presentations of the budget briefs, followed by discussions and recommendations from participants. The Ministry of Finance reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with UNICEF and other development partners to finalize the briefs and strengthen investments that improve the well-being of children and persons with disabilities throughout Sierra Leone.
The validation of the budget briefs marks another step in the government’s efforts to promote inclusive development, strengthen social protection systems, and ensure that vulnerable groups remain at the centre of national planning and resource allocation.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 29th July 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
