The 2025 budget aims at reducing inflation, improve social security, and develop infrastructure even as government acknowledged various challenges to sustainable growth in the economy. Among others the government has identified volatile international markets, investor uncertainty and political unrest as great challenges to its reforms.

“With the economy expected to grow by 4.5% in 2025 and inflation continuing into 2027, the government will focus on promoting change and protecting the lives of Sierra Leoneans. The government is committed to achieving 4.5% growth in 2025, reducing inflation to 14.9%, and promoting socioeconomic integration”. Consequently, in fiscal 2025, the Sierra Leone state is investing in capital projects and socio-economic projects that would have serious positive impact on the people. The Feed Salone initiative a school feeding program for over 500,000 children is continuing while construction of hospitals and strengthening of energy projects with emphasis on rural electrification are taking pride of place. Presenting the 2025 budget, the Minister of Finance Mr Ahmed Bangura disclosed that fiscal discipline, economic resilience and human development programs would drive citizens' well-being in the coming year.

Titled “Enhancing the Welfare and Living Condition of Sierra Leoneans,” the budget statement captures the bold aspirations of government to improve food security, human capital development, to promote agricultural self-sufficiency “whilst carving out grounds for lasting fiscal reforms, growth through infrastructure development, social protection and climate change adaptation”. The government has significantly increased the national budget in the past 3 years, reflecting its commitment to economic recovery, resource mobilization, and strengthening tax administration. Approved budget for 2023 was at NLe 13.74 billion. This figure surged to NLe 21.46 billion in 2024, representing a 56% increase in just one year. For the 2025 fiscal year, the government has unveiled an ambitious budget of NLe 35.3 billion, marking a staggering 64.5% rise from 2024 and a cumulative growth of 157% over the three-year period.

This’ a demonstration of the administration's focus on stabilizing the economy and in addressing resource mobilization challenges. The 2025 budget, which represents approximately 18.3% of Sierra Leone's GDP, underscores the government's strategy to prioritize fiscal consolidation while making critical investments in key sectors.

A key focus for the year 2025 is the emphasis on tax compliance and administration. This is vital, as enhanced revenue collection could reduce the country's reliance on external financing and help decrease fiscal deficits. Strengthening the tax system is expected to increase domestic revenue mobilization, enabling the government to fund essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

The dramatic rise in budget allocation signals a deliberate effort to stabilize the economy following years of external shocks, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the global ripple effects of the Ukraine war. Investments under the 2025 budget are poised to stimulate economic activity, particularly in agriculture and mining, which are key growth sectors.