In an official public notice released today, the Ministry of Finance has revealed the schedule for the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY 2024) Budget Preparation Process.
This important undertaking, which plays a pivotal role in the nation’s financial planning, is set to kick off with National Policy Hearings on Friday, 6th October 2023, at 8:30 a.m. These hearings will take place at the prestigious New Brookfield Hotel in Freetown.
The National Policy Hearings, described as the curtain raiser for the FY 2024 budget process, are designed to facilitate discussions and reviews of sectoral policies outlined in the Medium-Term National Development Plan.
It is emphasized that only high-ranking officials including Ministers, Deputies Ministers, Professional Heads, and Vote Controllers should attend this crucial event.
Following the Policy Hearings, Bilateral Budget Discussions for all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) will occur from the 9th to the 22nd of October 2023. These discussions are scheduled to take place daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Ministry of Finance Conference Rooms.
During these sessions, stakeholders will collaborate to establish policies guiding revenue generation and resource allocation across various MDAs. Vote Controllers are urged to submit their strategic plans and budget proposals to the Budget Bureau at the Ministry of Finance two days before their scheduled discussion date. Furthermore, presentations during these discussions should be in PowerPoint format.
It is noteworthy that representatives from Development Partners, Non-Governmental Organizations, District Budget Oversight Committees (DBOCs), and Governance/Accountability Civil Society Organizations/Non-State Actors are cordially invited to partake in these consultative meetings, highlighting the inclusive and transparent nature of the budget preparation process.
The Ministry of Finance has requested the usual cooperation and participation from all relevant stakeholders and the general public. This marks the beginning of a critical phase in Sierra Leone’s financial planning for FY 2024, and the outcomes will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the nation’s development and prosperity.
