MoPED seeks NLe40.734 million for FY2027 to boost development Coordination and Investment Management

During Bilateral Budget Discussions at the Miatta Civic Centre in Freetown, the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) proposed a budget of NLe40,734.828 million for the 2027 fiscal year, well above the budget ceiling of NLe17,637.500 million. The Acting Development Secretary, Usman Conteh, presented the Ministry’s mandate and priorities and the rationale for its resource requirements.
“The budget process is key to improving accountability, development coordination and ensuring that national resources are allocated to improve public service delivery,” said Conteh. He outlined several priority deliverables for FY2027, including establishing and operationalising a Public Investment Management Information System (PIMIS) for use by ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) and Local Councils. In addition, the Ministry plans to review sector strategic plans to align with the Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP), conduct comprehensive donor mapping, and harmonise development assistance.
Other goals include improving public investment management and strengthening mechanisms for development coordination, investment planning, and implementation monitoring nationwide. Conteh also announced MoPED’s projected revenue for 2027 at NLe3,258.672 million and thanked international development partners for their continued support of programs aimed at improving citizens’ lives.
Dr Illara E. Mahdi, Deputy Director of Budget, Ministry of Finance, chaired the session, which government officials and stakeholders attended. After discussion and responses to questions, particularly on development coordination, the role of Local Councils, and project implementation, the presentation moved to the next stage for further consideration and possible adoption. One issue to consider as the budget review process proceeds is the significant disparity between the Ministry’s request and the set ceiling.