By John Kelly Marah
The 2025 Citizens Budget of Sierra Leone outlines key allocations aimed at fostering sustainable development, enhancing public services, and addressing pressing socio-economic challenges. Below is a summary of the main budgetary priorities and allocations: Total Budget: NLe 35.3 billion; Projected Revenue: NLe 27.9 billion; Budget Deficit: NLe 7.5 billion (up from NLe 2.6 billion in 2024); Domestic Revenue: NLe 18.9 billion; and External Grants: NLe 9.0 billion, including contributions from the World Bank and European Union
Health Sector
Allocation: NLe 1.5 billion (9% of the budget), an increase from 7% in 2024 but still below the 15% target set by the Abuja Declaration. Key Initiatives: Expansion of Peripheral Health Units from 1,600 to 2,000; Construction of a National Cancer Diagnosis Center and regional hospitals; reduction of maternal mortality from 443 to 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030; reduction of infant mortality by half by 2030; 10% reduction in out-of-pocket healthcare expenses by 2030
Support for Health Workers
Recruitment of 3,000 health workers effective July 2025; and 15% salary increase for health workers effective April 2025.
Education Sector
Allocation: NLe 3.4 billion (20% of primary expenditure) Key Initiatives: recruitment of 2,000 additional teachers effective September 2025; 15% salary increase for teachers effective April 2025; continued support for the Free Quality School Education (FQSE) Programme; and provision of school subsidies to reduce the financial burden on parents
Energy Sector
Allocation: NLe 127.3 million from the domestic capital budget;
subsidies: NLe 875 million allocated to the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) to pay outstanding invoices to Independent Power Producers; and international Support: NLe 1.4 billion from partners including the World Bank, African Development Bank, and Indian EXIM Bank for energy projects
Agriculture Sector
Allocation: NLe 1.3 billion (8% of the budget); underfunding may hinder the ‘Feed Salone’ initiative aimed at achieving food security
Infrastructure and Employment
Recruitment Plans: 1,000 civil servants; 500 staff for tertiary educational institutions; 600 military personnel; 1,000 new employees for the Sierra Leone Police; 1,000 new employees for the Sierra Leone Correctional Services; 200 new employees for the National Fire Force.
Salary Adjustments
30% salary increase for civil servants in Grades 8 to 14 effective April 2025; 15% salary increase for military personnel, police, correctional services, and fire force effective April 2025; and 25% increase in pensions for government pensioners effective April 2025.
Water and Sanitation
Allocation NLe 118.8 million: concerns: insufficient funding to address urgent challenges in public health and basic amenities
Public Concerns and Oversight
Debt Servicing: Interest payments projected at NLe 7.4 billion in 2025, up from NLe 4.1 billion in 2024; rising deficit raises concerns about fiscal sustainability
Transparency
Calls for enhanced transparency and accountability in the utilization of public funds. Criticism over the neglect of resource-rich districts like Tonkolili in budget allocations.
The 2025 Citizens Budget reflects the government’s commitment to improving public services and fostering economic growth. However, challenges remain in ensuring equitable distribution of resources, fiscal sustainability, and effective implementation of budgetary allocations. Continuous monitoring and active citizen engagement are essential to address these challenges and achieve the nation’s development goals.
