Africa-Press – Gambia. The National Assembly on Tuesday approved the 2026 Appropriation Bill, authorising government expenditure of GMD 43.49 billion for the fiscal year beginning 1 January 2026.
The Bill, which concludes six weeks of parliamentary scrutiny, includes one of the year’s largest allocations—GMD 737 million—for the Office of the President. The vote followed a series of ministerial bilaterals, committee sessions and plenary debates on the draft estimates tabled on 31 October by the Minister of Finance and formally presented on 5 December.
Government spending will rise from GMD 37.85 billion in 2025 to GMD 43.49 billion in 2026. Significant increases were recorded for the Independent Electoral Commission (115%), the Ministry of Agriculture (87%), Higher Education (42%), and Pensions and Gratuities (22%).
The allocation to the presidency attracted particular attention during deliberations, with lawmakers calling for enhanced accountability and efficient use of resources in executive institutions. The GMD 737 million earmarked for the Office of the President covers administrative services, State House operations and policy-coordination functions.
On the revenue side, tax and non-tax receipts are projected to rise from GMD 29 billion to GMD 32 billion, supported by improved collections from the Ministries of Interior, Health, Fisheries and Water Resources. Despite this increase, the fiscal gap remains, maintaining reliance on external financing and domestic borrowing.
With the passage of the Appropriation Bill, government will proceed with the implementation of its 2026 financial programme amid public expectations for prudent spending and improved service delivery across state institutions.
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