By Sallieu S, Kanu
Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has called for Sierra Leone’s FY2027 Budget to focus more sharply on economic growth, private-sector expansion and job creation, arguing that public spending must translate into measurable improvements in productivity and citizens’ lives.
Delivering the keynote address at the formal commencement of the FY2027 Budget Process at the Miatta Civic Centre on Wednesday 16 September 2026, the Vice President said the budget should be treated as more than a statement of revenue and expenditure because it determines “which priorities we protect, which investments we accelerate and, ultimately, how the resources entrusted to us improve the lives of our people.”
“Under the Youth Employment Scheme Game Changer, the Government has set an ambitious target of creating 500,000 jobs for young people by 2030, with at least 30 per cent representation of women. No single ministry, programme, or the Government payroll can deliver this target. It requires an economy capable of generating opportunities across agriculture, manufacturing, mining, construction, energy, tourism, technology, the creative industries, and services.”
He said the theme, “Building Resilience to Create Jobs,” was particularly relevant as the Government entered the second half of its second and final term and sought to accelerate implementation of the Medium-Term National Development Plan and the Big Five Game Changers.
VP Juldeh Jalloh said achieving that target would require an economy capable of generating opportunities across agriculture, manufacturing, mining, construction, energy, tourism, technology, creative industries and services.
“No single ministry, programme, or the Government payroll can deliver this target,” he said, stressing that sustainable employment would depend increasingly on businesses being able to start, survive and expand. The approach is consistent with the Government’s published Youth Employment Scheme, which places the creation of 500,000 employment opportunities by 2030 at the centre of the youth employment agenda.
The Vice President also placed development partnerships within this broader growth agenda, expressing appreciation to the IMF, World Bank, European Union, African Development Bank and other bilateral and multilateral partners for supporting development programmes, infrastructure, institutional reforms, technical assistance and policy dialogue. He said partners were increasingly supporting efforts to strengthen the private sector, improve the investment environment and mobilise private capital.
“I particularly acknowledge the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the European Union and the African Development Bank,” he said. The recognition comes as Sierra Leone continues to work with international partners on the priorities contained in the Big Five Game Changers, including youth employment, human capital development, agriculture, infrastructure and technology.