The Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC) conducted bilateral engagements regarding the 2027 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure between 1 October and 7 October 2026. These proceedings involved reviews of projected financial data for the upcoming fiscal cycle in The Gambia. The committee examined submissions from various entities, including the Gambia Revenue Authority and DigiTech Solutions, to evaluate their anticipated contributions and operational requirements. Kebba A.F. Touray and Alhagie S. Darboe participated in the sessions as the committee assessed the fiscal framework proposed for the 2027 budget. The Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC) held bilateral engagements on the 2027 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure from 1 to 7 October 2026 to ensure full oversight of the national financial planning process.
Budget Requests and Allocations
Legislative committees requested a combined total of D482,364,001 to fund the ministries, departments, and agencies under their respective mandates for the 2027 fiscal year. The legislative committees requested a combined total of D482,364,001 for the ministries, departments and agencies under their respective mandates. This figure represents the total financial requirement identified by these oversight bodies during the review period.
Honourable Alhagie S. Darboe, the FPAC chairperson, addressed the management of national debt during the proceedings. He stated, "The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs take appropriate measures to reduce the cost of borrowing and manage the growing debt-service burden."
Regarding the national revenue strategy, the committee issued specific directives to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs and the Gambia Revenue Authority. Honourable Alhagie S. Darboe remarked, "The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, in collaboration with the Gambia Revenue Authority, strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation, improve tax compliance and minimise revenue leakages to ensure the achievement of the 2027 revenue targets." FPAC recommended that the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs and the Gambia Revenue Authority improve tax compliance and minimize revenue leakages to meet 2027 revenue targets.
The committee also pushed for structural changes in how government entities manage their financial planning. On the requirement for updated accounting methods, Honourable Alhagie S. Darboe said, "The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs ensure the effective implementation of Programme-Based Budgeting across all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, with clearly defined programme objectives, measurable targets and performance indicators." The committee recommended the effective implementation of Programme-Based Budgeting (PBB) across all ministries, departments and agencies. This shift in accounting methodology is intended to provide greater transparency and accountability for the public funds allocated to these entities during the 2027 fiscal cycle. By standardizing these practices, the committee aims to align the expenditure of all ministries, departments and agencies with established national priorities.
