Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) has submitted a proposed budget of NLE 92.2 million for 2026, surpassing its government ceiling of NLE 81 million by more than NLE 11 million. The ministry said the request underscores its commitment to civic education, transparency, and building public trust.
The budget plan, presented during a hearing at the Ministry of Finance, channels significant resources into civic engagement, policy development, media support, and institutional capacity. Civic Education and Engagements received the largest allocation at NLE 20.1 million, followed by NLE 18.3 million for the Office of the Permanent Secretary, NLE 17.5 million for the Sierra Leone News Agency (SLENA), and NLE 12.05 million for Outreach and Coordination. Other allocations include government information services, archives, research, and the Daily Mail Newspaper.
Emmanuel Turay, Director of Communications at MoICE, defended the expanded proposal, saying it is designed to deepen citizen engagement and reinforce democratic governance. “This budget is not just about numbers; it’s about transforming Sierra Leone into a nation where citizens are well-informed, engaged, and active participants in shaping their future,” he said.
MoICE pointed to revenue-generation measures to cover the excess, such as international media accreditation fees, advertising income through SLBC, grants from development partners, and corporate sponsorships for SLENA. “We work closely with development partners and media entities to generate our own funds and deliver value,” Turay added. “This isn’t just a spend request—it’s an investment in Sierra Leone’s democratic resilience.”
The ministry also highlighted recent achievements, including the passage of the National Information Policy, Civic Education Policy, Film Policy, and Data Protection Bill, as well as cabinet approval of the National Archives and Records Management Policy. Partnerships with UNDP, UNESCO, and the Ban Ki-moon Foundation have further supported civic education programs.
Looking ahead, MoICE said it aims to increase public awareness of the government’s Big 5 Agenda, improve information systems, expand civic education, strengthen records management, and boost evidence-based policymaking.
