Sierra Leone’s domestic revenue collection recorded a slight decline in February 2026, reflecting ongoing challenges in sustaining fiscal performance amid rising expenditure pressures.
According to the Accountant General’s Department Statement of Fiscal Operations, total revenue for February stood at SLE 1.15 billion, down from SLE 1.18 billion recorded in January.
The marginal drop was largely driven by reduced inflows from key tax streams. Income tax receipts declined from SLE 430.9 million in January to SLE 416.6 million in February. Similarly, Goods and Services Tax (GST) saw a notable decrease, falling from SLE 279.9 million to SLE 204.1 million, marking the sharpest contraction among major revenue sources.
However, some components showed resilience. Customs and excise duties increased from SLE 77.9 million in January to SLE 99.9 million in February. Other departmental receipts also rose from SLE 70.7 million to SLE 91.9 million, while Treasury Single Account (TSA) revenue improved from SLE 132.8 million to SLE 157.6 million, helping to cushion the overall decline.
Import duties remained relatively strong, contributing SLE 161.1 million in February, slightly down from SLE 165.6 million recorded in January.
Despite these gains, fiscal performance continues to be constrained by the absence of mineral resource revenues, which are projected at SLE 1.28 billion for the year. Notably, no inflows were recorded from the sector in either January or February, raising concerns about potential revenue shortfalls if the trend persists.
The February figures underscore the need for strengthened revenue mobilisation strategies and diversification of income sources to ensure fiscal stability in the months ahead.
