Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Seedy Keïta is scheduled to table government estimates, recurrent, and expenditure for the fiscal year 2027 today, totaling D66,784,494,709. The proposed D66.7 billion budget represents a significant increase, exceeding last year's D59.3 billion allocation by over D7.4 billion. This financial proposal outlines the government's spending plans and revenue projections for the upcoming fiscal year in The Gambia, reflecting a substantial rise in financial commitments.
Budget Breakdown and Funding Sources
Out of the D66.7 billion total estimates, the Government Local Fund (GLF) is projected to increase from D43.4 billion approved in 2026 to D48.5 billion for 2027. This increase in the GLF shows the government's growing domestic revenue capacity. The GLF constitutes 72.77 per cent of the overall 2027 budget estimates, making it the primary source of funding. Donor grants are estimated at D15.9 billion for the fiscal year 2027, accounting for 23.91 per cent of the total estimates. These grants play a key role in supplementing national resources. Loans are projected to contribute D2.2 billion in 2027, representing 3.32 per cent of the total budget, indicating a continued reliance on external financing for specific projects. For the Judiciary, an allocation of D439,395,782 has been proposed within the D66.7 billion framework, ensuring its operational needs are met.
Key Expenditure Increases
The current budget is estimated to increase from D32.6 billion approved for 2026 to D37.057 billion in 2027, noting expanded operational costs. Salaries and wages are projected to rise from D10.291 billion approved in 2026 to D11.213 billion in 2027, reflecting adjustments in public sector remuneration or an increase in workforce. The budget for goods and services is also estimated to increase, moving from D7.038 billion to D7.216 billion, indicating higher operational expenditures for government ministries and departments. Debt interest is projected at D9.072 billion, up from D6.8 billion approved in 2026, which points to a growing burden of debt servicing. Subsidies are anticipated to rise from D6.7 billion to D7.3 billion in 2027, demonstrating continued government support for essential services or commodities.
Capital expenditure is estimated at D3.7 billion, an increase from D3.5 billion approved in 2026, signaling investments in infrastructure and development projects. The highest allocation in the 2027 estimates is earmarked for debt servicing, totaling D16.174 billion, which remains a significant portion of the national budget. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has been allocated D669,704,458 within the proposed budget, securing resources for its critical functions. These figures reflect the government's planned spending adjustments across various sectors for the upcoming fiscal year, balancing recurrent needs with capital investments and debt obligations.
Sectoral and Institutional Allocations
The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education is projected to receive D6.062 billion in the proposed 2027 budget, showing the government's commitment to education. The Ministry of Health is allocated D4.095 billion, making it the third-highest recipient among ministries, emphasizing public health priorities. The Ministry for the Interior is slated to receive D2.381 billion, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is allocated D2.232 billion, supporting national security and international relations respectively. The Ministry of Finance has been allocated D2.183 billion to manage the nation's financial affairs.
Further allocations include D1.875 billion for the Ministry of Defence and D1.809 billion for the Ministry of Works, ensuring national security and infrastructure development. The Ministry of Agriculture is set to receive D1.765 billion, supporting the vital agricultural sector, and the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum is allocated D1.359 billion for energy security. The Office of the President is projected to receive D723,795,234. The Office of the Vice President is estimated at D378,128,070, and the National Assembly is allocated D645,887,457. The Ministry of Youth and Sports is projected to receive D146,680,225, supporting youth development initiatives.