Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has called for Sierra Leone’s FY2027 national budget to prioritize economic growth, private-sector expansion and job creation.

He made the remarks on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, while delivering the keynote address at the formal launch of the FY2027 Budget Process at the Miatta Civic Centre in Freetown.

The process is being conducted under the theme “Building Resilience to Create Jobs.” Jalloh said public resources should be used in ways that improve productivity and produce measurable benefits in citizens’ lives.

“Today, I formally launch the FY2027 Budget Process under the theme ‘Building Resilience to Create Jobs,’” the Vice President said.

He said the budget should be understood as more than a record of government revenue and expenditure. In his view, it establishes national priorities, guides investment decisions and determines how public resources are used to improve living conditions.

Focus on businesses and employment

Jalloh identified agriculture, manufacturing, mining, construction, energy, tourism, technology, the creative industries and services as areas with potential to generate employment opportunities.

“Our focus is clear: use our resources wisely, create the conditions for businesses to grow and invest, and expand opportunities for our young people,” he said.

The Vice President also highlighted the Government’s employment objective under the Youth Employment Scheme Game Changer: creating 500,000 jobs for young people by 2030, with women representing at least 30 per cent of the target.

He cautioned that the goal could not be achieved by one ministry, a single programme or government payroll alone.

“The jobs required by a young and growing population, however, cannot predominantly come from the Government payroll,” Jalloh said.

He added that sustainable employment would increasingly depend on businesses being able to start, survive and expand. The remarks place private-sector development at the centre of the Government’s stated employment strategy.

Role of development partners

Jalloh recognized the contribution of international development partners to government programmes, infrastructure, social-sector initiatives, institutional reforms, technical assistance and policy dialogue.

“I particularly acknowledge the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the European Union and the African Development Bank, alongside our many other bilateral and multilateral partners,” he said.

He also described international development cooperation as increasingly extending beyond traditional assistance. According to the Vice President, it now includes efforts to strengthen businesses, improve the investment environment, expand access to finance and mobilize private capital.

The European Union’s partnership with Sierra Leone was described as covering youth empowerment, trade, investment and the business environment. The World Bank’s engagement was linked to inclusive economic growth, human capital development, resilience, jobs and private-sector investment.

The FY2027 budget process is expected to provide a framework for translating the Government’s priorities into public investments and programmes, including youth employment, human capital development, agriculture, infrastructure and technology under the Big Five Game Changers.

No specific FY2027 allocations, implementation timelines or mechanisms for meeting the employment target were provided in the information available.