Bintumani, Freetown,15th September 2025- Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has issued a compelling call to action, urging government officials to ramp up domestic revenue mobilization in the face of mounting developmental pressures. Speaking at the opening of the Budget Policy Hearing in Freetown, Dr. Jalloh anchored his keynote address around a striking figure: 700 children are born in Sierra Leone every single day.

“This translates to fourteen new classrooms daily,” he emphasized, referencing the government’s commitment to provide free education under its flagship program. “The onus is on us to secure the future of our children. The needs are significant, and planning must start now.”

With overseas development aid dwindling and global economic conditions tightening, Dr. Jalloh warned that Sierra Leone’s ability to meet its social obligations, especially in education, hinges on its capacity to generate and safeguard domestic revenue. He drew a direct line between fiscal strength and state capacity, arguing that without robust revenue streams, the government’s promises risk falling short.

“The buck stops with us,” he declared, calling for both strategic mobilization and vigilant protection of public funds. His remarks come at a time when the country faces rising expectations from its youthful population, and increasing scrutiny over how public resources are managed.

The Vice President’s statement sets the tone for what is expected to be a high-stakes budget season, with policymakers now challenged to translate demographic realities into fiscal priorities.