By Staff Writer | Smart News Liberia
MONROVIA — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, has submitted a US$45 million draft supplementary budget to the National Legislature, seeking approval to expand public services and advance key development priorities under his administration’s policy framework.
The proposal, submitted on Monday, April 13, 2026, aligns with provisions of Liberia’s Public Financial Management Law, which allows for budget adjustments to address emerging national needs. According to the Executive, the additional spending is intended to accelerate service delivery and support flagship initiatives under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
The draft budget was formally presented to House Speaker Richard N. Koon by Acting Finance and Development Planning Minister Anthony G. Myers, who represented Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan. Ngafuan is currently leading a government delegation at the World Bank and International Monetary Fund Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C.
Providing details of the financing plan, Myers disclosed that the supplementary envelope is supported by two primary sources: US$40 million in previously delayed World Bank budget support for fiscal year 2025 and an additional US$5 million generated from stronger-than-expected domestic revenue performance.
He attributed the domestic revenue gains to improved tax policies and enhanced administrative measures, which helped offset the earlier delay in external support. The government, he said, is leveraging these gains to address pressing development priorities.
A significant portion of the proposed budget is directed toward social sectors, with over 40 percent, approximately US$19.3 million, earmarked for health, education, and social development programs. Officials say this reflects a deliberate shift toward strengthening human capital and improving the welfare of citizens.
Within the education sector, about US$7.3 million has been allocated to support teacher recruitment, expand school feeding programs, and settle outstanding obligations to the West African Examinations Council. Authorities believe these interventions will help stabilize the education system and improve learning outcomes.
The health sector is set to receive US$10.9 million to enhance drug response initiatives and facilitate the acquisition of land for the construction of a National Children’s Hospital. An additional US$1.05 million is proposed for social development services aimed at supporting vulnerable communities and strengthening welfare programs.
Beyond social services, the government has proposed US$7.2 million for infrastructure and basic services, including US$4.02 million dedicated to the technical rollout of the “yellow machines” initiative, a program intended to improve road connectivity and public works.
The budget also sets aside US$18.5 million for other priority interventions, including US$5.1 million to bolster national security and reinforce the rule of law in response to evolving challenges within the country.
“This budget reflects a deliberate policy shift toward strengthening social protection systems, expanding access to essential services, and investing in infrastructure that promotes inclusive growth,” Myers stated during the presentation.
In response, Speaker Koon praised the President and the Ministry of Finance team for prioritizing social sector investments. He specifically commended allocations for the proposed National Children’s Hospital and support to the University of Liberia, describing them as impactful steps toward improving access to essential services.
If approved, the supplementary budget will increase Liberia’s 2026 national budget from approximately US$1.25 billion to US$1.29 billion, representing a 3.6 percent rise. The adjustment also signals a substantial year-on-year expansion compared to the previous fiscal period, underscoring the administration’s push for accelerated development and service delivery.
