Freetown, September 30, 2025- The Ministry of Finance has officially approved a NLe 350 million budget for the National Sports Authority (NSA) for the 2026 fiscal year, marking a significant boost for sports development in Sierra Leone.
The approval follows a compelling presentation by NSA Executive Director, Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, who outlined the Authority’s ambitious plans aligned with the government’s “Five Big Game Changers” agenda. Although the approved budget exceeds the NSA’s initial ceiling, Dr. Abdulai successfully appealed for the additional allocation to ensure full implementation of key activities.
Dr. Abdulai emphasized the government’s unprecedented financial and moral support for sports, highlighting the NSA’s achievements despite limited resources. He cited the remarkable performance of Sierra Leone’s U-17 female football team at the West Africa Football Union (WAFU) Tournament in Liberia as a testament to the impact of strategic investment in youth sports.
Mandated to promote, encourage, and develop sporting activities nationwide, the NSA has played a pivotal role in engaging young people across the country. Representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Civil Society, and Non-State Actors commended Dr. Abdulai’s leadership and the Authority’s growing influence.
This budgetary endorsement reflects the government’s continued commitment to strengthening the sports sector and empowering the next generation of athletes in Sierra Leone. The NSA is now poised to roll out its 2026 plans and further expand its reach and impact.
