On Tuesday, the National Assembly approved a national budget of D43.49 billion for the 2026 fiscal year, wrapping up six weeks of thorough examination characterized by lengthy debates, committee hearings, and discussions regarding government spending priorities.
The appropriations bill, which authorizes all public expenditure from January 1 to December 31, 2026, signifies a notable increase in government spending. The 2026 budget increases to D43.49 billion from D37.85 billion in 2025, reflecting what officials have characterized as changing national priorities and heightened fiscal pressures.
Government revenue, sourced from both tax and non-tax avenues, is anticipated to rise to D32 billion, an increase from D29 billion in the prior year. Finance officials credit the expected increase primarily to enhanced collection efforts in the Ministries of Interior, Health, Fisheries, and Water Resources.
The budget allocations are as follows: D737.8 million for the Office of the President, D649.1 million for the National Assembly, and D375.05 million for the Judiciary. The Independent Electoral Commission will receive D505.58 million, and the Public Service Commission has been allocated D21.75 million.
Significant expenditures also encompass D366.58 million allocated to the National Audit Office, D1.24 billion designated for the Ministry of Defence, and D2.37 billion set aside for the Ministry of Interior. The Ministry of Tourism and Culture has been allocated D59.34 million, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will receive D2.11 billion.
The budget proposal was initially introduced to lawmakers on October 31 by the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, who encouraged the Assembly to evaluate the estimates as part of a wider initiative to stabilize public finances while also tackling the nation’s development objectives.
