2019 BUDGET THEME - 'AUSTERITY FOR PROSPERITY'

The 2019 Budget Thrust is macro-fiscal stabilisation and laying a solid foundation for attaining the triple 'S' growth - strong, sustainable and shared. 

• Gross Domestic Product growth in 2019 at about 3.1%, driven by Mining (7.5%), Distribution, Hotels and Restaurants at (5%), Transport and Communication (4%) and Agriculture (3%);
• In 2019, inflationary pressures are expected to stabilise;.
• Total revenues for 2019 are projected at US$6.6 billion of which:-
  • Tax revenue amounting US$6.04 billion;
  • Non-tax revenues of US$162 million; and
  • Retentions of US$400 million.
• Total expenditures for 2019 are projected at US$8.16 billion of which:-
• Employment Costs US$4.05 billion;
• Capital expenditure US$2.02 billion 6.4% GDP; and
• Budget deficit of US$1.57 billion or 5% of GDP