Sen. Konneh welcomes US$1 Billion Draft National Budget --But…

Senator Amara M. Konneh has welcomed Liberia’s historic $1 billion draft national budget for FY2026 but cautioned that its credibility and developmental impact could be undermined by misalignment with national priorities and overreliance on external financing. Speaking ahead of his formal presentation to the Senate’s Ways and Means, Finance, and Budget Committee, the former Finance Minister praised President Joseph Boakai and Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan for achieving the milestone. He emphasized, however, that fiscal expansion must be disciplined and strategically aligned with the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID). 

Konneh explained that while the AAID framework requires $1.68 billion in investments across priority sectors, the draft budget allocates only $594 million, leaving a $1.08 billion shortfall. Of that allocation, $313 million comes from external partners, surpassing the government’s $281 million contribution. He warned that this imbalance raises concerns about national ownership and long-term sustainability. Turning to sectoral performance, the Senator noted troubling declines in social services, which have contracted by 4% annually over the past three years, leaving vulnerable populations behind. He added that health and education are growing at slower rates than the overall budget, undermining human capital development. 

The health sector’s $101.7 million allocation translates to just $19.37 per capita, far below global standards, with stark disparities across counties. Montserrado and Nimba receive over $6 per person, while counties such as Gbarpolu, Grand Bassa, Sinoe, and Bomi get less than $1.50. Konneh argued that this imbalance undermines inclusive development and risks deepening regional inequalities. Education, he continued, faces similar challenges. Although the sector’s allocation has risen to $132.9 million, spending remains heavily centralized, with the University of Liberia and payroll absorbing more than 60%. 

Early childhood education receives only $20,000, while rural counties remain underfunded compared to Monrovia’s consolidated school system. He stressed that this urban bias leaves most Liberian children outside the capital at a disadvantage. Konneh also expressed concern about the rapid growth of the security sector, which has been allocated $151.8 million, a 38% increase from FY2024. He argued that while enforcement capacity is expanding, foundational services such as education and healthcare are not keeping pace. In his view, true improvements in security depend on investments in human development and job creation rather than simply enlarging enforcement budgets. 

Beyond these sectoral issues, he pointed out that payroll costs are rising despite stagnant workforce numbers, and state-owned enterprises are failing to contribute adequately to national revenues. He criticized the government for not enforcing the Small Business Empowerment Act, which requires 25% of procurement to benefit Liberian-owned businesses, noting that this law has not been effectively implemented. To address these challenges, Konneh urged lawmakers to realign spending with AAID priorities, strengthen domestic contributions to reduce donor dependence, incorporate SOE revenues into the consolidated budget, and enforce procurement laws to empower Liberian entrepreneurs. 

He concluded by stressing that Liberia’s future depends on getting the FY2026 budget right, adding that the country must use this opportunity to foster wealth creation and ensure inclusive development across all counties.