He explained that this positive performance was largely driven by a 10% increase in tax revenue, which rose to D6.16 billion, up from a projected D5.62 billion. However, he said this success was tempered by a sharp 40% shortfall in non-tax revenue, indicating ongoing challenges in other income streams.
He outlined that “on the spending side, actual total expenditure stood at D8.13 billion, slightly below the D8.35 billion that was budgeted. The reduction was largely due to lower-than-expected debt interest payments and tighter control of government operational spending.”
He added that the “spending on Goods and Services came in at D1.032 billion, which is 18% below the budget, while capital spending from the Gambia Local Fund (GLF) also dropped 18% to D1.147 billion, compared to the expected D1.26 billion.”
He underscored that despite the overall spending restraint, the government’s wage bill increased, with Personnel Emoluments rising to D2.337 billion—7% higher than projected. Similarly, Subsidies and Transfers surged by 9% to D2.042 billion, surpassing the expected D1.867 billion.
“As a result, the budget deficit stood at D1.45 billion, which is 23% lower than projected. Officials say this is partly due to the absence of budget support during the first quarter, but the deficit is expected to normalise once such support is received in the coming months.”
