Executive summary: execution is the key to a successful 2026 Budget
Dr. Frank Bannor, a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy (IERPP), has warned that the 2026 Budget lays out ambitious spending plans, but its ultimate success will depend on how well those plans are implemented. In public finance, money on paper only becomes value when programs are executed efficiently, transparently, and with accountability. As policymakers frame the year ahead, the question is not merely “how much” but “how well.”
Why execution matters more than headline spending
The fascination with large budgets often centers on total outlays and flagship programs. However, history shows that the real impact of a budget is determined by execution rates, procurement practices, project oversight, and the ability to scale reforms across agencies. A well-designed budget that falters in implementation can waste resources, delay vital services, and undermine public trust. Dr. Bannor argues that the 2026 Budget’s success hinges on three execution pillars: timely disbursement, rigorous oversight, and adaptive policy delivery that learns from early results.
Timely disbursement and predictable cash flow
Efficient execution begins with cash flow discipline. Delays in releasing funds to frontline ministries impede program rollout, disrupt supply chains, and erode confidence among citizens and contractors. The 2026 Budget should incorporate clear milestones, monthly or quarterly cash forecasts, and contingency buffers to prevent bottlenecks that stall essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure maintenance.
Rigorous oversight and anti-corruption safeguards
Transparency and accountability are non-negotiable for credible budgeting. Strong internal controls, independently verifiable procurement processes, and open data on project progress help minimize waste and corruption. The IERPP notes that robust monitoring frameworks convert spending announcements into measurable outcomes, offering policymakers a feedback loop to adjust allocations before excessive slippage occurs.
Adaptive policy delivery
Budgets must be responsive to early signals from pilots and phased rollouts. The 2026 Budget should build in adaptive mechanisms that allow scale-up when pilots succeed and rapid redesign when results fall short. This requires cross-ministerial coordination, clear performance indicators, and a culture of evidence-based decision-making rather than siloed, ritualistic spending.
Lessons from past budgets: what to avoid
Looking back at recent fiscal cycles, a common pitfall has been optimistic spending assumptions paired with weak monitoring. When funds are released, implementation often lags due to procurement delays, inadequate staffing, or unclear accountability chains. The 2026 Budget can avoid these missteps by setting realistic timelines, aligning capacity-building with financing, and ensuring that oversight bodies have the authority and resources to act swiftly when deviations occur.
Policy measures to strengthen execution
Experts recommend several practical steps: (1) publish a comprehensive implementation plan with time-bound targets, (2) appoint dedicated project managers in key ministries, (3) tie a portion of disbursements to measurable mid-course corrections, (4) invest in digital platforms that track procurement and delivery in real time, and (5) engage civil society in monitoring progress. These measures do not constrain ambition; they make it actionable, trackable, and accountable, turning promise into performance.
What this means for citizens and public services
For the public, the ultimate test of the 2026 Budget is whether promised improvements in health, education, infrastructure, and social protection materialize on the ground. Effective execution translates into shorter wait times, better service quality, and more predictable tariffs or fees. It also strengthens fiscal credibility, signaling that the government can translate fiscal space into tangible value without spiraling costs or opaque processes.
Conclusion: focus on delivery, not just dollars
As Dr. Bannor emphasizes, successful budgets are less about the size of the purse and more about what happens after the purse is opened. The 2026 Budget represents an opportunity to demonstrate that clever design paired with strong execution can deliver durable public value. If authorities prioritize timely disbursement, transparent oversight, and adaptive policy delivery, the fiscal plan is poised to fulfill its promises and support sustainable growth.
