BUDGET ALLOCATION MUST PRIORITISE EFFECTIVE EXECUTION, SAYS OKONJO-IWEALA

Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has stressed the need for governments to focus on effective implementation of budgets rather than just increasing financial allocations.

Okonjo-Iweala said the impact of public spending depends largely on how well funds are managed, monitored, and converted into meaningful projects that improve citizens’ lives.

She noted that stronger budget execution, transparency, and accountability are essential to ensuring that government resources deliver results in areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic development.

Economic experts echoed the call, saying poor implementation remains one of the major challenges limiting the impact of public spending in many developing economies.

They added that improving procurement processes, strengthening institutions, and enhancing oversight mechanisms would help governments achieve better outcomes from allocated funds.

Okonjo-Iweala urged policymakers to prioritise efficiency and measurable results, noting that effective execution is critical to driving sustainable growth and improving public trust.