UNICEF and Sierra Leone’s Parliamentary Budget Office have called for increased government investment in children as the country prepares its 2027 National Budget.

The appeal was made during a parliamentary engagement held on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, at Country Lodge Hotel in Freetown. The meeting brought together members of parliamentary committees responsible for finance, education, lands, legislation, gender and children’s affairs.

Discussions focused on strengthening parliamentary oversight, protecting budget allocations and ensuring that approved funds are released and used effectively. The services identified as priorities included education, healthcare, nutrition, sanitation, social protection and child protection.

Concerns over child-focused spending

Mariko Kagoshima, UNICEF’s Country Representative, said children account for approximately 41 per cent of Sierra Leone’s population, while two out of every three children experience deprivation in at least one basic necessity.

Kagoshima also attributed annual government spending on child protection to approximately US$0.66 per child, describing the level as insufficient to address the challenges faced by vulnerable children.

According to Kagoshima, debt servicing accounts for nearly 29 per cent of government expenditure. She said this was more than twice the education budget and approximately six times the health budget.

Daniel Gbao, representing the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, said government funding for child protection remains below one per cent. He advocated raising the allocation to more than three per cent.

The source material identifies child marriage, teenage pregnancy, child labour, violence, neglect and exploitation as continuing child protection challenges in Sierra Leone.

Parliamentary oversight

Hon. Keikura Christopher Vandy, Chairman of Parliament’s Finance Committee, acknowledged that limited fiscal space, revenue shortfalls and delays in external financial assistance affect government operations and the timely release of approved allocations.

Vandy assured participants that Parliament would continue monitoring the allocation and use of resources intended for children.

Ibrahim Jimissa, Director of the Parliamentary Budget Office, said investment in children should remain a national priority because budget decisions influence the country’s future development.

Sheku Lamin Turay, Director of Parliamentary and Public Relations, moderated the programme and emphasized Parliament’s responsibility to promote children’s rights.

The programme included presentations on Sierra Leone’s macroeconomic outlook and priorities for child-related investment, followed by discussions among participating lawmakers.

UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Parliament and relevant government institutions through research, technical assistance and policy engagement. The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs also reaffirmed its intention to work with UNICEF and other stakeholders to improve children’s welfare nationwide.

Participants renewed commitments to stronger oversight, improved funding and continued institutional cooperation as preparations for the 2027 National Budget proceed.