On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, BudgIT Sierra Leone officially launched the 2025 Citizens’ Budget under the theme “Telling the Story Differently.” The event brought together a dynamic mix of Civil Society Organizations, media professionals, government representatives, and key stakeholders, all united by a shared goal of fostering a greater understanding of the national budget and empowering citizens to demand accountability.
The launch was not simply about unveiling a document; it was about igniting a movement. A movement where ordinary Sierra Leoneans are not only aware of how public funds are allocated and spent but are also emboldened to ask the hard questions and hold decision-makers to account.
Madam Cecilia, BudgIT’s Communication Officer, opened the session by reaffirming BudgIT’s unwavering dedication to fiscal accountability and transparency. She emphasized BudgIT’s role as a model public data institution, working to bridge the gap between citizens and the government through clear, accessible information.
Mr. Martin, the Programs Officer, guided participants through a concise presentation of the 2025 Citizens’ Budget, highlighting key government priorities and explaining the budget creation process in simple, relatable terms. His presentation laid the groundwork for deeper engagement and understanding.
Taking a more detailed look, Mr. Brima Sesay, BudgIT Sierra Leone’s Country Lead, explained the big picture by breaking down the government’s major projects, expenditure patterns, revenue sources, sectoral allocations, the budget deficit, and implications for the national debt.
Following the presentations, Mr. Martin led a vibrant Q&A session, where participants voiced strong observations and concerns. Civil Society Organizations raised issues including:
- Persistent delays in budget disbursements that hinder planning and implementation.
- Opaque disbursement processes to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
- Lack of transparency in tax and duty waivers, a critical source of revenue loss.
- Limited public participation in the national budget hearings.
- A concerning absence of openness in debt acquisition and financing decisions.
Media representatives praised BudgIT Sierra Leone for simplifying the complex 2025 national budget, making it easier for citizens to digest. They pledged to amplify the Citizens’ Budget across the country and challenged the Ministry of Finance to provide regular updates on fund disbursements paving the way for better tracking and monitoring of government spending.
Haji Bah, Coordinator for Non-State Actors, commended the bright infographics and easy-to-understand visuals, stating that these design choices made the budget far more accessible. Now, even people in the most remote areas can begin to understand how national financial decisions affect their daily lives.
Abubakar Tarawalie of the Budget Advocacy Network applauded BudgIT for its efforts and urged for earlier dissemination of the Citizens’ Budget in future years to allow for broader civic engagement and grassroots outreach.
As the event concluded, it was clear that the launch was not the end; it was only the beginning of a positive change. Important questions now loom large:
- Will the government fulfill its budgetary promises?
- Will schools finally receive timely funding?
- Will the roads across Sierra Leone be repaired as planned?
- And most importantly, will every citizen from bustling Freetown to the rural heartlands feel the real impact of this budget?
The unveiling of the 2025 Citizen’s Budget has started an important national conversation – one rooted in transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement. It marks a crucial step toward a future where Sierra Leoneans are informed, empowered, and ready to ask the most important question of all: “How is our money being spent?”