By: George Cooper
Capitol Hill: The Liberian Legislature has formally approved the 2026 National Budget after the Senate concurred with the House of Representatives, paving the way for the enactment of a spending plan totaling US$1.249 billion, the largest budget in the country’s history. The approved budget includes major allocations for the settlement of both domestic and external debt, a move intended to enhance Liberia’s fiscal credibility and rebuild confidence among domestic stakeholders as well as international partners and investors.
Infrastructure development accounts for a significant share of the budget, with particular emphasis on the construction and rehabilitation of roads nationwide. These investments are expected to improve connectivity, facilitate trade, and expand market access, especially in rural areas.
The energy sector is also prioritized, with funding directed toward boosting electricity generation, expanding transmission infrastructure, and increasing access to reliable and affordable power across the country. Additionally, the budget supports expanded access to finance to stimulate private sector growth, promote job creation, and strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises.
Key social sectors receive increased attention, including health, education, and agriculture. Health sector funding aims to improve service delivery and reinforce the national healthcare system. Education investments focus on enhancing quality, upgrading infrastructure, and building human capital, while agricultural allocations are designed to strengthen food security, support farmers, and develop agricultural value chains.
Reacting to the budget’s passage, Minister of Finance and Development Planning Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan expressed appreciation to the Legislature for its cooperation and commitment to working with the Executive Branch to advance national development. He described the approval as a significant step in the government’s economic reform agenda and voiced confidence that, upon endorsement by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, the budget would accelerate development, improve public service delivery, and uplift the living standards of Liberians.
The 2026 National Budget now awaits final approval by the President.
