By Mackie M. Jalloh
New fiscal figures released by the Government of Sierra Leone reveal mounting pressure on public finances, with state expenditure surpassing revenue and grant inflows during the first four months of 2026, resulting in a deficit of more than SLE 370 million.
The latest Statement of Fiscal Operations, published by the Accountant General’s Department for the period ending 30 April 2026, paints a picture of a government grappling with declining revenue performance and limited external financial support while maintaining significant spending commitments across key sectors.
According to the report, total revenue and grants accumulated between January and April amounted to approximately SLE 5.84 billion. During the same period, government expenditure reached SLE 6.21 billion, creating a financing gap estimated at over SLE 370 million.
The figures come as authorities continue efforts to meet ambitious fiscal targets outlined in the national budget. Domestic revenue alone was projected to generate more than SLE 22 billion during the year, making the early-year performance an important indicator of the government’s ability to sustain spending plans and development priorities.
A notable concern highlighted in the report is the slowdown in domestic revenue mobilisation during April. Government collections dropped significantly from SLE 2.04 billion in March to SLE 1.46 billion in April, representing one of the sharpest monthly declines recorded so far this year.
Income tax collections contributed heavily to the downturn. Revenue generated from income taxes fell from SLE 983 million in March to SLE 590 million in April, reducing one of the government’s most important sources of domestic income.
The report also indicates that anticipated support from international development partners has yet to materialise at the expected level. While foreign grants were budgeted at approximately SLE 3.77 billion for the year, actual receipts remain extremely low.
Between January and April, direct budget support received from international organisations totalled just SLE 5.78 million, representing a fraction of the annual target. Additionally, no bilateral grant disbursements were recorded during the reporting period, further limiting the government’s available fiscal resources.
Despite revenue challenges, expenditure remained substantial across several sectors. General public services accounted for the largest share of spending, consuming approximately SLE 2.28 billion over the four-month period. Public order and safety followed with SLE 924 million, while economic affairs attracted SLE 330 million in expenditure.
For April alone, personnel-related costs stood at SLE 678 million, reflecting the government’s ongoing wage and salary obligations. Other recurrent charges, including project-related arrears and operational commitments, amounted to SLE 873 million during the month.
Development expenditure financed through domestic resources remained comparatively lower, with spending reaching SLE 325 million in April, highlighting the balancing act between meeting recurrent obligations and funding long-term development initiatives.
The fiscal report was officially signed by Accountant General Richard S. Williams in compliance with Section 66(1) of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016, which mandates regular reporting on the state of government finances.
The figures provide an early snapshot of Sierra Leone’s fiscal position in 2026 and underscore the challenge of maintaining expenditure levels amid fluctuating domestic revenues and slower than expected inflows of foreign financial support.
