Government current expenditure reached D7.13 billion in the first quarter of 2026, marking a 2% increase compared to the same period last year. This rise covers the January to March 2026 period. The Ministry reported the government's total current expenditure grew by 2 per cent year-on-year, reaching GMD7.13 billion in the period under review, up from GMD6.98 billion in the previous year. The Ministry’s report details the government's expenditure position during the first three months of 2026 against the approved annual budget. According to The Ministry, "The budget execution rate stands at 20 per cent." The report specifically provides the expenditure position of the government during the first three months of 2026 against the approved annual budget.
Spending Breakdown and Execution
The budget execution rate for the first quarter of 2026 stood at 20 per cent, according to The Ministry. Annual spending on personnel emoluments increased by 5% year-on-year, with an execution rate of 24% against an approved annual budget of D10.29 billion. This execution rate of 24% for personnel emoluments was against an approved annual budget of D10.29 billion.
The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education emerged as the largest single spending entity, accounting for 17% of total current expenditure. The ministry spent D1.359 billion in the first quarter of 2026. This D1.359 billion expenditure by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education made it the largest single spending entity, representing 17% of the total current expenditure. Debt Service, covering interest payments, was the second-largest spending item, representing 12% of the total expenditure, with D935.55 million allocated during the period. Debt Service, specifically interest payments, accounted for D935.55 million in the first quarter of 2026. The 10 top spending entities recorded combined spending of approximately D6.46 billion during the first quarter.
Sectoral Development Expenditure
The Tourism and Culture sector recorded the highest development expenditure execution rate at 21% in the first quarter of 2026, according to The Ministry. The macro-economy and Public Financial Management sector followed with a 19% execution rate for development expenditure during the same period. The macro-economy and Public Financial Management sector specifically recorded a development expenditure execution rate of 19% in the first quarter. Monitoring and Evaluation achieved a 31% execution rate for development expenditure in the first quarter, while Agriculture recorded 10%. Monitoring and Evaluation's development expenditure execution rate was 31% for the first quarter, and Agriculture recorded 10% development expenditure execution during the first quarter. The Education sector registered no development expenditure. The Education sector recorded no development expenditure during the first quarter. Health reported a negative outturn of D4,721.05 in development expenditure during the first quarter. Health recorded a negative outturn of D4,721.05 in development expenditure during the first quarter.
Regarding overall spending by key ministries in the first quarter of 2026, the Ministry of Agriculture spent D838.66 million. The Ministry of Agriculture's expenditure for the first quarter of 2026 amounted to D838.66 million. The Ministry of Health allocated D719.68 million, and the Ministry of Interior spent D553.63 million. The Ministry of Health spent D719.68 million in the first quarter of 2026. The Ministry of Interior's spending reached D553.63 million in the first quarter of 2026. The Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure recorded expenditures of D499.32 million. The Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs spent D485.20 million, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs allocated D444.46 million. The Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure spent D499.32 million in the first quarter of 2026. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spent D444.46 million in the first quarter of 2026. The Ministry stated, "The government’s total current expenditure grew by 2 per cent year-on-year, reaching GMD7.13 billion in the period under review – up from GMD6.98 billion in the previous year. The budget execution rate stands at 20 per cent."
Key Spending Entities Detailed
The Ministry of Defence allocated D313.43 million in the first quarter of 2026. The Ministry of Defence spent D313.43 million in the first quarter of 2026. The Office of the President's expenditure for the same period amounted to D306.87 million. The Office of the President spent D306.87 million in the first quarter of 2026. These figures contribute to the overall increase in government spending. The Ministry reported that "The government’s total current expenditure grew by 2 per cent year-on-year, reaching GMD7.13 billion in the period under review – up from GMD6.98 billion in the previous year." The Ministry also stated that "The budget execution rate stands at 20 per cent" for the quarter.