The Chief Minister has outlined a comprehensive vision for the nation’s infrastructure and economic future, emphasizing critical sectors such as transportation, energy, and social protection. With a focus on building a strong foundation for growth. The Chief Minister’s roadmap sets ambitious goals for the coming years, aiming to elevate the nation’s development to new heights by 2026. These goals includes:
Infrastructure Development
The Chief Minister underscored the importance of infrastructure development, noting that over the past seven years, the government has completed 442 kilometers of road construction. This is in contrast to only 432 kilometers completed in the previous 11 years under the APC. The goal is to continue this momentum with a focus on strategic routes such as the Kabalan, Mbaya, and Kunyar roads, with plans for significant upgrades across rural communities. The Chief Minister emphasized that infrastructure is essential for economic growth and quality of life, and it remains a top priority for 2026.
Energy Accessibility
Powering national growth, he highlighted the ongoing efforts to increase electricity access, with plans to boost household electricity coverage from 36% to 45% by 2026. This will play a crucial role in powering homes, industries, and educational institutions, ultimately supporting sustainable economic development.
Private Sector Collaboration
In an effort to enhance food security and agricultural productivity, the Chief Minister announced a collaboration with the private sector to develop 2,000 hectares of irrigation. This initiative aims to improve agricultural output, with particular attention to the production of eggs, onions, and rice. The Chief Minister called for continued investment in the agricultural sector to ensure sustainable growth and increased export potential.
Job Creation
Strengthening the workforce, Dr. David Sengeh also addressed the need for job creation, emphasizing that over 50,000 jobs have already been created through public and private sector investments. Plans are in place to further expand this with an ambitious target of creating more employment opportunities, especially in rural areas.
Social Protection
A focus on inclusivity of the Chief Minister’s plan is the strengthening of social protection initiatives, especially for vulnerable sectors of society. This includes improving health insurance accessibility and expanding support for informal workers. The Chief Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increasing financial inclusion, with a target of expanding access to financial services for 54% of the population by 2026.
Digital and Financial Inclusion
Bridging the gap with the rise of digital technology, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of increasing internet penetration to 40% by 2026, up from 23% in 2023. This expansion will foster innovation, increase access to education, and facilitate business growth.
The Chief Minister concluded his remarks by reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to national progress. He emphasized that infrastructure, energy, job creation, and social protection are not just goals, but pathways to a more prosperous future for all citizens. These efforts, combined with private sector partnerships, will pave the way for sustained economic growth and development well beyond 2026.
