The Government of Liberia (GOL), under the leadership of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, has submitted a draft national budget of US$1.2 billion for Fiscal Year 2026 to the National Legislature. The announcement was made by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning. According to Cllr. Kanio Bai Gbala, Assistant Professor of Law at the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law and Founder of the Centrism Movement, this increase represents a meaningful sign of economic improvement and growing fiscal strength.
Cllr. Gbala noted that the rise from approximately US$880 million in the previous fiscal year to US$1.2 billion reflects progress in domestic revenue mobilization, strengthened financial controls and renewed confidence among development partners and the private sector.
He explained, “When the national budget increases from US$880 million to US$1.2 billion, it shows that the economy is expanding. This reflects improvements in revenue collection, increased economic activity and a growing trust in Liberia’s financial management systems.”
Cllr. Gbala emphasized that the expanded resource envelope provides greater opportunity to address key national priorities, including enhancing infrastructure such as roads, electricity and water systems, strengthening hospitals, clinics, schools and universities; and creating jobs through government-funded development programs and supporting county and community-level development initiatives.
He further commended the leadership of Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Minister of Finance and Development Planning, acknowledging that such progress is the result of professionalism, coordination and strategic policy direction.
“This achievement reflects the discipline and focused leadership of Minister Ngafuan and his team. Strong and transparent financial stewardship is essential to national progress, and their work is helping to move the country in a positive direction.”
The draft national budget now moves to the National Legislature for public hearings, debate and approval.
If endorsed, the FY2026 budget will become one of the largest fiscal frameworks in recent national history, and is widely considered an important step in strengthening Liberia’s economic growth and development path.
