Government Expenditure: Sierra Leone

Analysis# Sierra Leone Government Expenditure Sierra Leone's government expenditure reached 14.117% of GDP in 2026, representing a significant increase from the 8.104% low recorded in 2007. The country has expanded public spending by 26.7% over the past two decades, though current levels remain below the all-time peak of 16.755% in 2021. This upward shift reflects growing government investment in public services and infrastructure across the post-2004 period. A notable spending surge occurred between 2020 and 2021, when expenditure climbed from 15.627% to 16.755% of GDP—likely reflecting pandemic-related fiscal responses. Since that peak, spending has contracted steadily, declining by 2.6 percentage points through 2026. The recent downward trajectory suggests a deliberate consolidation of public finances, positioning government expenditure toward more sustainable levels as the country balances development priorities with fiscal discipline.