BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Inclusivity and resilience are key pillars of the 2026 budget, said Rexon Ramofafia, Minister for Finance and Treasury.
Speaking in parliament during the Sine Die motion on Wednesday he said the budget seeks to ensure development benefits and services are equitable across the provinces.
Ramofafia said the government is fully aware that the credibility of the budget rests not only on formulation but on effective execution.
He said that capacity building remains a critical enabler of effective budget implementation.
Ramofafia also stated that the budget has been carefully designed to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth, recognising the need to balance physical responsibility with developmental imperatives.
“It seeks to expand in areas that can create growth, employment and important services that we are to deliver to our people,” he said.
Ramofafia said the government’s strategy for budget implementation is anchored on prudent fiscal rules, a strengthened public financial management system and strict adherence to appropriation.
“The PAC committee has demonstrated its crucial role through its independent and provisional scrutiny of the budget. The examination of allocation, fiscal assumptions and implementation framework has enhanced transparency, accountability and fiscal discipline,” he said.
Ramofafia added that his ministry will continue to prioritise the timely and predictable release of funds to ministries and agencies in line with cash management plans and fiscal targets.
“The government will continue to invest in strengthening institutional capacity across public service, in areas such as planning, budgeting, procurement, financial management and project implementation and reporting. These efforts are essential to improve efficiency, accountability and service delivery outcomes.
“Our target for early 2026 is to secure funds to implement the budget early. From our timetable and budget, we are targeting rollover of $170 million. Of course, we target more than that to secure funding, especially in our domestic borrowing areas, as much as possible. Work on that has already started,” he said.
Ramofafia said the successful delivery of the 2026 budget and national priority is a shared responsibility.
“I wish to reaffirm my ministry’s commitment to upholding the trust placed in us by Parliament and our people to manage the country’s finances with integrity, transparency and discipline, guided by principles of accountability and service to our people,” he said.
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