By zainab.joaque@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – The Ministry of Finance has unveiled the 2024 Budget Call Circular (BCC), outlining special provisions tailored for the realization of the Big Five Game Changers enshrined in the Government’s 2023 manifesto.
The BCC offers comprehensive directives on the preparation of strategic plans and expenditure estimates for the fiscal year 2024 for ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
This year’s Fiscal Year 2024 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) budget will be strategically anchored around the Big Five Game Changers encapsulated in the Government’s 2023 manifesto. The Circular’s objectives encompass: furnishing Budgetary Agencies with budget proposal guidelines, aligning Government’s priorities with the Big Five Game Changers, outlining key policies and administrative considerations for strategic plans and expenditure estimates, and delineating the Budget Calendar for the FY2024 budget.
Financial Secretary Matthew Dingie emphasized that this approach aligns seamlessly with Section 33 (1) of the Public Financial Management Act 2016, mandating the Minister of Finance to present the Budget to Parliament for FY2024. The Budget, presented with a medium-term outlook, is scheduled for submission on Friday, 27th October 2023, providing ample time for thorough evaluation and ratification. In light of this timeline, MDAs are directed to submit their budget proposals and contributions to the Budget Speech by 31st August 2023.
The Government has called upon MDAs to synchronize their Strategic Plans with the overarching objectives of the Big Five Game Changers. Consistent with the priorities outlined in the Government’s manifesto, the FY2024-2026 Budget will allocate significant attention to the following areas:
FEED SALONE: An Initiative to Bolster Agricultural Productivity, Ensuring Food Security and Inclusive Economic Growth. The initiative seeks to elevate food production, generate employment opportunities, amplify export earnings, and foster resilience in the face of climate challenges.
HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT: Nurturing 21st Century Industry Skills. The Government’s investment in technical and vocational skill development, particularly for women, aims to strengthen the nation’s workforce. Concurrently, investments in healthcare systems will contribute to cultivating a robust and healthy workforce.
YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SCHEME (YES): A Presidential Initiative to Generate 500,000 Jobs within Five Years. The scheme spans diverse sectors, offering a spectrum of skilled, unskilled, long-term, and seasonal job opportunities for the youth.
REVAMPING THE PUBLIC SERVICE ARCHITECTURE: Enhancing Delivery, Efficiency, and Professionalism. The initiative aspires to attract and retain top-tier talent to serve the Sierra Leonean population.
TECHNOLOGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE: Pathways to Sustainable Economic Growth (TIPEG). Government efforts to expedite an inclusive growth trajectory entail substantial investments in infrastructure, technology, and digitalization.
Consultative deliberations regarding the FY2024 Budget with key stakeholders are slated to transpire in the Conference Room of the Ministry of Finance from 11th to 29th September 2023. ZIJ/14/8/2023
