Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Sidi Keita, delivered the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly on Friday, outlining a bold strategy to boost domestic resource mobilization, address socioeconomic inequities, and tackle fiscal vulnerabilities.

The proposed budget, amounting to D47.4 billion, marks a 21% increase from the 2024 fiscal year, reflecting the government’s commitment to economic growth and social inclusion.

Key Highlights of the 2025 Budget

Minister Keita emphasized several transformative measures aimed at improving public financial management, increasing allocations to critical sectors, and ensuring equitable resource distribution:

The 2025 budget includes an unprecedented 30% average salary increase for core civil servants, coupled with higher transport and housing allowances. Grades 1 to 8 will benefit from a graduated increase, with Grade 1 employees seeing a 22% raise.

Additionally, pensioners will see significant relief, with the minimum pension set at D1,000 monthly and a D500 increment for others.

The budget prioritizes agriculture and health, with substantial increases in funding to strengthen food security and public health infrastructure. Recurrent expenditure is set at D31.2 billion, while D16.2 billion is allocated for capital and net lending projects.

Building on the mid-term review of the 2021-2025 Public Financial Management Strategy, the ministry has developed new regulations for state-owned enterprises and a dividend policy. Preparations are underway for a new 2026-2030 strategy to sustain these reforms.

For the first time, the government will distribute booklets detailing intended program outcomes across ministries, reflecting its commitment to transparency. Gender-responsive budgeting and climate tagging have been integrated to better track expenditures related to gender equality and environmental sustainability.

Addressing Economic and Fiscal Challenges

The 2025 budget comes at a time when the country is grappling with an energy crisis and broader economic challenges. Minister Keita outlined measures to mitigate these pressures, including strengthening domestic revenue collection and improving efficiency in public spending.

He noted that personnel emoluments would rise to D8.8 billion due to salary adjustments and other allowances, part of a broader strategy to address inflationary pressures on civil servants.

Minister Keita underscored the government’s achievements under President Adama Barrow, highlighting a 110% salary increase since 2022. The comprehensive focus on resource mobilization, equity, and sustainability positions The Gambia to better address fiscal and debt vulnerabilities while laying the groundwork for economic resilience.

Parliamentary debates on the 2025 Appropriation Bill will commence on Monday, with legislators expected to scrutinize the proposed measures. The session, attended by key dignitaries, including the Vice President, Cabinet Ministers, and donor partners, marks a pivotal moment in shaping the country’s economic and social priorities for the coming year.