Sierra Leone makes progressive improvement in the 2023 Open Budget Survey Index in Budget Transparency. The country’s score increased by 10 points from 45% in 2021 to 55% in 2023 surpassing the global average. This advancement elevate Sierra Leone’s ranking from 64th to 47th out of 125 countries placing it ahead of Ghana, Liberia, Gambia , Sao Tome, Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea among others.
The Budget Advocacy Network (BAN) last week unveiled the 2023 Sierra Leone Open Budget Survey report, highlighting significant advancements in budget transparency. This comprehensive assessment, conducted by independent experts, scrutinizes public access to budget information, citizen participation in the budgeting process, and the effectiveness of budget oversight institutions.
The Open Budget Survey (OBS) is the only independent, comparative, and fact-based research tool that evaluates these crucial areas across 125 countries. This 9th edition of the OBS offers an in-depth look at how governments manage public resources and engage with citizens regarding budget decisions.
In a statement issued at the end of the event, BAN outlined the areas where Sierra Leone has made progress and where further efforts are needed. It emphasizes the country’s improved transparency score but noted the decline in public participation and the ongoing challenges in accountability systems.
Sierra Leone’s transparency score rose to 55%, a notable improvement from 45% in 2021. This score places the country 47th globally, up from 64th in the previous survey, surpassing regional counterparts like Liberia (52%), Ghana (46%), Nigeria (31%), Gambia (36%), Sao Tome Principe (32%), and Equatorial Guinea (4%). However, the score still falls short of the benchmark 60%, indicating room for improvement.
The International Budget Partnership will launch its latest Open Budget Survey report – the only independent, comparative, and regular measure of budget transparency and accountability around the world – at a virtual public event. This latest survey marks our largest round ever—with 125 countries assessed. As conversations around climate financing, debt and other key issues loom large, the budget process is an essential space for governments to engage their people in critical decisions they are making around how to raise and spend public money.
Our launch presents a unique opportunity to showcase key findings from the survey and concrete paths to make budget processes more inclusive and accountable to everyday people. We will feature remarks from leading government reform champions and civil society leaders. Speakers will present their experiences advancing greater accountability in their country’s budget processes and share lessons for others on a path to reform.
