VP Calls for Tax Court to Boost Revenue
By George M.O. Williams
Freetown, Sierra Leone September 11, 2025: In a decisive move to bolster Sierra Leone’s fiscal stability, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has urged the creation of a dedicated tax court to enforce compliance and strengthen revenue collection. His call came during the official launch of preparations for the 2026 national budget at the Bintumani International Conference Centre in Aberdeen, Freetown.
Speaking under the theme “Enhancing Traditional and Innovative Sources of Domestic Revenue Mobilization to Finance the Big Five Game Changers,” Dr. Jalloh highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive tax reforms and robust enforcement mechanisms. He stressed that a strong domestic revenue base is critical for effective state functioning and sustainable development.
“Revenue capacity is tantamount to state capacity. If the state’s revenue base is weak, so too is its ability to deliver essential services,” Dr. Jalloh stated. He pointed out that rationalizing tax exemptions for multinational corporations, formalizing the informal sector, and strengthening value-added tax (VAT) mechanisms are key to closing revenue gaps and combating illicit financial flows.
The Vice President also emphasized support for entrepreneurship and private sector investment, particularly in agriculture, advocating for innovative financial tools such as accessible loan facilities to boost productivity and economic participation.
Finance Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura outlined the government’s priorities for the 2026 fiscal year, aligning with the “Big Five Game Changers” agenda. These priorities include the creation of 5,000 new jobs, promotion of gender-sensitive policies, technological investment, and a transition toward a cashless economy. Minister Bangura underscored the importance of adhering to legal frameworks and implementing smart taxation measures, echoing the Vice President’s call for rationalized tax exemptions and more responsive audits to strengthen budget credibility.
Dr. Kenyeh Barlay, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, described the budget theme as timely, noting Sierra Leone’s increasing need to rely on domestic resources amid declining international funding. She pledged close collaboration with the Ministry of Finance to ensure prudent public investment, fiscal discipline, and long-term economic resilience.
Meanwhile, Parliamentary Finance Committee Chairman Hon. Kai Samba reaffirmed Parliament’s critical oversight role in the budget process. He emphasized fiscal accountability, alignment with national priorities, and the continued scrutiny of government expenditures to guarantee transparency and effective use of public funds.
The launch event marks a pivotal step in Sierra Leone’s fiscal strategy, signaling the government’s commitment to harness domestic resources, reduce dependency on external funding, and implement sustainable economic policies that promote inclusive growth and development.
