By Sallieu S, Kanu
Freetown, August 10, 2026: The Ministry of Finance has begun stakeholder consultations on the draft revised Public Financial Management (PFM) Act, marking the start of a nationwide process to modernise Sierra Leone’s fiscal governance framework.
The validation session, held at the Ministry’s Conference Room on George Street, brought together representatives from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Civil Society Organisations, Development Partners and other stakeholders. The exercise is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen fiscal discipline and ensure that the country’s financial management system responds effectively to emerging economic and institutional realities.
Chairing the session, Financial Secretary Matthew Dingie described the consultations as the first in a series designed to gather broad-based views on the proposed revisions. He emphasised that public financial management is dynamic and must evolve to meet modern demands, noting that additional sessions – including a ministerial-level review – will follow later in the week. “All relevant views and recommendations will be carefully documented and considered before the revised Act is submitted to Cabinet and subsequently Parliament,” Dingie assured.
Minister of Finance Sheku Fantamadi Bangura welcomed the review, describing it as timely and necessary. He underscored the PFM Act’s role as a central pillar of fiscal discipline and effective resource management, stressing the need for a modern legal framework that strengthens fiscal planning, reinforces treasury management, improves oversight and enhances government’s ability to respond to fiscal risks. He also highlighted the importance of integrating digital financial management systems into the revised law, while noting that effective implementation depends on both institutions and the people tasked with enforcing the legislation.
Technical presentations were delivered by Assistant Director of Legal Affairs Cyrus Lusani and PFM Consultant Mohamed Baba Bayoh, who outlined the background to the 2016 PFM Act, the rationale for its review, and key proposed reforms. They detailed new provisions, expanded sections, and expected benefits of the revised legislation. The session concluded with questions, answers and clarifications, with consultations set to continue across government and non-government platforms before Cabinet consideration.