MONROVIA, November 13, 2026 — Integrity Watch Liberia (IWL) has warned that the government’s proposed US$1.539 billion National Budget for Fiscal Year 2027 could impose additional financial burdens on women, small businesses and low-income households unless adequate safeguards are introduced.
Speaking at a news conference in Monrovia, IWL Executive Director Harold Marvin Aidoo said an independent gender-responsive assessment of the draft budget identified significant concerns over tax equity, gender-related allocations and social protection.
According to IWL, projected tax revenue is expected to increase from US$752.72 million in FY2026 to US$1.072 billion in FY2027, representing a 42.5 percent increase.
While welcoming efforts to strengthen domestic revenue mobilization, Aidoo questioned whether the additional revenue would come from improved compliance among large taxpayers or increased financial pressure on ordinary citizens.
“Who will bear the burden of generating this additional revenue?” he asked.
IWL expressed concern over proposed tax reforms, including the transition from Goods and Services Tax (GST) to Value Added Tax (VAT), excise charges on digital financial services and enhanced customs controls.
The organization warned that these measures could increase transaction costs and consumer prices, particularly affecting market women, informal traders and vulnerable households.
It also highlighted a projected 49.4 percent increase in international trade tax revenue, from US$280.77 million to US$419.39 million, warning that additional import-related costs could be passed on to consumers.
On gender-responsive budgeting, IWL acknowledged progress, noting that 13 government institutions submitted gender-responsive budget statements, compared with nine in FY2026. However, the figure represents only 11 percent of the 122 spending entities.
The organization welcomed the proposed increase in the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection’s allocation from US$4.06 million to US$7.09 million, but noted that it accounts for only 0.46 percent of the national budget.
Aidoo urged greater investment in maternal healthcare, gender-based violence prevention, child protection, girls’ education and women’s economic empowerment.
Meanwhile, IWL called on the Legislature to scrutinize the projected revenue increases, demand gender and poverty impact assessments of major tax reforms, and ensure adequate funding for programmes benefiting vulnerable populations.
“Liberia must raise revenue fairly, spend public resources equitably and demonstrate results that improve the lives of all citizens,” Aidoo said.
He emphasized that successful revenue mobilization should be measured not only by how much the government collects, but also by who bears the tax burden and how public resources improve citizens’ lives.
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