MINISTER of Finance and Treasury, Rexson Ramofafia, has outlined key ministry programs the Government will fund in 2026 to drive economic transformation, following the tabling of the $5.6 billion national budget in Parliament on Monday.
Speaking during the second reading of the 2026 Appropriation Bill 2025, Minister Ramofafia highlighted targeted allocations for productive, social, and infrastructure sectors.
Under Agriculture, Government has allocated $28.3 million for the Agriculture Production and Enhancement Program, including $21 million to boost cocoa and coconut production, which generated $511.9 million in exports this year.
Additional funding covers cattle development, rice programs, and support for oil palm and taro. A further $11.7 million is allocated for agricultural infrastructure and research.
In Fisheries, the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant receives $103 million, while $19.3 million supports community fisheries livelihoods, including seaweed and hatchery projects. Provincial fisheries operations receive $1.4 million.
In Forestry, $6.3 million is allocated to downstream processing and $4.3 million to strengthen monitoring, enforcement, and reforms, with production expected to rise by up to 10 percent.
The Commerce sector is allocated $67.3 million for trade support, MSME development through a credit guarantee scheme, growth centre development, downstream processing, and the establishment of the Special Economic Zone Authority.
Government maintains $46.4 million for Tourism, targeting tourism development, national tourism products, and cultural and infrastructure improvements.
A major boost goes to Infrastructure, with $146.9 million set aside for roads, wharves, buildings, and street lighting, alongside funding for geological mapping, mining sector strengthening, and renewable energy development.
In Education, $50 million supports SINU infrastructure, while $33.7 million funds school facilities nationwide.
The Health sector receives $70 million, including major investments in primary and secondary health services, upgrades to provincial hospitals, and public health programs.
Government is also providing $2.5 million for the Customary Land Recording Project and $325 million for the Constituency Development Fund to support rural livelihoods.
Minister Ramofafia said these investments aim to create inclusive growth and ensure development reaches communities across the country.
