By: Yusuf Ibrahim Kamara (The Wise Thinker)
The Ministry of Finance has continued nationwide consultations on the proposed Public Financial Management (PFM) Act, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen the legal and institutional framework governing the management of public resources in Sierra Leone.
The latest consultation was held on Friday, August 14, at the Miatta Conference Centre in Brookfields, Freetown, bringing together Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Departments and Agencies, Chief Administrators of Local Councils, representatives of State-Owned Enterprises, and Civil Society Organisations.
The engagement formed part of a broader stakeholder consultation process intended to gather practical views, identify implementation challenges and ensure that the proposed legislation reflects the realities of institutions responsible for managing public finances.
Speaking during the engagement, Financial Secretary Matthew Dingie said the proposed PFM Act seeks to establish a stronger and more responsive legal framework for managing public finances, mobilising domestic resources and expanding the country’s resource base.
He explained that the review of the existing 2016 PFM Act is necessary to address gaps that have emerged from years of implementation, while strengthening transparency, accountability and fiscal management.
According to Dingie, the proposed legislation is also designed to provide a modern framework capable of responding to emerging developments and changing demands in public financial management.
He noted that the consultation process is also linked to World Bank support requirements, with the engagement expected to facilitate the disbursement of resources while supporting interventions in critical areas of national development.
Dingie further highlighted the role of Ministers and Vote Controllers in the implementation of the national budget, stressing that effective financial management depends heavily on their ability to comply with established laws and procedures.
He said the proposed legislation would also seek to address challenges surrounding the implementation of audit recommendations, an area he noted was not adequately provided for under the existing 2016 Act.
The Financial Secretary encouraged participants to critically examine the draft legislation and provide honest feedback based on their institutional experiences.
He said stakeholder contributions would help ensure that the final legislation is practical, enforceable and responsive to the realities faced by public institutions.
Acting Minister of Finance Kadiatu Allie, in welcoming participants, emphasised the importance of strengthening the country’s public financial management system through improved accountability, transparency and fiscal discipline.
She said years of experience implementing the existing framework had provided valuable lessons on areas requiring further strengthening, particularly in relation to fiscal sustainability and the increasing use of digital technologies in financial management.
Allie outlined several major reforms contained in the proposed PFM Act, 2026, including strengthened Medium-Term Fiscal Planning, a comprehensive framework for public investment management, enhanced commitment controls and increased oversight of State-Owned Enterprises.
The proposed legislation also seeks to establish a legal foundation for Climate Finance and Carbon Revenue, while recognising the growing importance of digital financial management systems and electronic payments.
The Acting Minister further pointed to provisions aimed at strengthening the consideration of fiscal impacts when developing government policies and legislative proposals.
She urged participants to assess the proposed provisions against operational realities, institutional mandates, existing laws and the capacity of institutions to implement the reforms.
Participants were also encouraged to identify practical challenges likely to confront Vote Controllers and financial management practitioners once the new framework comes into force.
The Ministry’s Legal Team subsequently delivered a presentation outlining the proposed amendments to the existing 2016 PFM Act. The presentation, conducted through PowerPoint, was followed by questions, discussions and clarifications from participants.
The consultation provided stakeholders with an opportunity to examine the proposed changes and offer recommendations before the draft legislation proceeds to the next stage of the legislative process.
The Ministry of Finance is expected to consider the views and recommendations emerging from the consultations as it works towards finalising the proposed Public Financial Management Act, 2026.
The proposed legislation is ultimately intended to strengthen the management of public resources, improve accountability and transparency, enhance fiscal discipline and provide Sierra Leone with a more modern and effective public financial management framework.