The Ministry of Defence in Sierra Leone is seeking NLe7.59 billion for the 2027 financial year to enhance the country's defence capabilities. The ministry presented its priorities during the ongoing Bilateral Budget Hearings, outlining NLe1.29 billion for recurrent expenditure and NLe6.30 billion for Public Investment Programmes (PIPs). This funding will support the recruitment and training of 1,800 personnel, including 300 specialists, and 500 border guards.
The Defence Ministry's strategic vision extends beyond 2035 and focuses on developing a professional and capable force that can respond to emerging national, regional, and global security challenges. Chief of Defence Staff Lieutenant General Amara Idara Bangura stated that the country's Defence Policy and Strategy guide efforts to protect Sierra Leone's sovereignty, maintain national stability, support development, and uphold democratic governance.
The Ministry's defence approach covers various areas, including border security, counter-terrorism, emergency response, maritime security, air power, and cybersecurity. The military also intends to continue contributing to national development through areas such as agriculture, civil construction and engineering, healthcare, peace missions, and the garment factory. The Ministry reported ongoing recruitment and training involving 1,624 personnel in 2026.
However, the planned recruitment of 500 border guards and other initiatives, such as establishing the Tri-Service structure, constructing and refurbishing barracks, and developing Level III hospital capability, remain outstanding. Deputy Minister of Defence Colonel (Rtd) Muana Brima Massaquoi described the bilateral budget hearing as an important exercise for national accountability and due diligence.
The Defence Ministry's 2026 budget request was NLe1.7359 billion, compared with an approved budget of NLe286.9 million. Actual disbursements between January and September 2026 amounted to NLe533 million, with major expenditure drivers including rice, fuel, ration cash allowance, and running costs. The Ministry of Public Administration and Political Affairs (MoPAPA) also presented its 2027 budget, seeking NLe15.553 million, significantly above its budget ceiling of NLe5.8773 million.
MoPAPA's proposed programmes aim to promote an efficient, inclusive, and accountable public service while strengthening democratic governance and improving public administration. The Ministry's budget hearing was anchored by Deputy Director of Budget Illara Mahdi, with the estimates presented in line with Section 31(1) of the Public Financial Management Act. The bilateral hearings provided stakeholders with an opportunity to scrutinise the ministries' programmes, expenditure requirements, and expected deliverables.
The 2027 discussions are focused on aligning institutional priorities with available government resources and the broader objectives of Sierra Leone's Medium-Term National Development Plan 2024–2030. The Ministry of Defence and MoPAPA's budget requests will be crucial in determining the country's defence and public administration capabilities in the coming year.
Key points
- The Ministry of Defence is seeking NLe7.59 billion for 2027 to enhance border security, recruit personnel, and upgrade military capabilities.
- The Defence Ministry's strategic vision extends beyond 2035 and focuses on developing a professional and capable force.
- The Ministry of Public Administration and Political Affairs presented a NLe15.553 million funding requirement for 2027, significantly above its budget ceiling.
