By Kadijatu Bangura, D.S. Reporter
On July 29, 2025, the Parliament of Sierra Leone approved the “Supplementary Appropriation Act 2025,” which authorizes an additional expenditure of Le14,460,760,400 for the second half of the year. This legislation aligns with the provisions of Section 112 (3) of the 1991 Constitution and Section 42 (1)(a) of the Public Financial Management (PFM) Act 2016, permitting increased spending from the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
The supplementary budget comes after an initial Appropriation Act that sanctioned Le27,716,357,400 for the year. It includes a downward revision of Le871,837,200 from the Consolidated Fund. Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, presented the budget, attributing the revisions to changes in domestic and global economic conditions observed in the first half of 2025. He noted improvements in macroeconomic indicators, including lower inflation rates, a strengthened Leone exchange rate, and a decrease in treasury bill rates.
Despite these positive trends, Minister Bangura warned of ongoing global economic uncertainties, including tariff increases, conflicts, and declining aid flows, which pose risks to economic stability. He emphasized the importance of budget credibility and managing debt accumulation, advocating for expenditure adjustments to address domestic revenue shortfalls.
The supplementary budget aims to reduce the budget deficit from 3.9% to 3.8% of GDP. This adjustment is expected to lessen the government’s borrowing needs from the banking sector, complementing the Bank of Sierra Leone’s efforts to manage inflation and stabilize the currency.
In his overview, Minister Bangura reported a significant drop in inflation, from 54.5% in October 2023 to 7.1% in June 2025. He highlighted improvements in mineral and agricultural exports, a reduced trade deficit, and increased foreign reserves, all contributing to foreign exchange stability.
Members of Parliament engaged in a robust debate on the supplementary budget. Hon. Francis Amara Kaisamba, Chairman of the Finance Committee, praised the government for its economic progress and emphasized the need for timely fund disbursement to various ministries and agencies. In contrast, Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma, Deputy Leader 2 of the Opposition, criticized the budget as an “Austerity Budget,” citing delays in local council allocations and a reduction in funding for agriculture and youth employment.
Hon. Mustapha Sellu defended the Minister’s presentation, citing the achievements in inflation control and exchange rate management. Opposition Leader Hon. Abdul Kargbo raised concerns about revenue mobilization gaps and uneven allocations, stressing the need for reduced government spending and the importance of restoring the Leone’s value.
In conclusion, Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, expressed gratitude for the contributions of all MPs. He highlighted the government’s fiscal achievements and urged compliance with tax regulations to enhance domestic revenue. On the same day, Parliament also ratified a Financing Agreement with the European Commission, aimed at promoting sustainable food and agricultural development in Sierra Leone.
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