DILI, 08 january 2026 (TATOLI) — The Ministry of Finance (MoF) held a two-day seminar to introduce new regulations and procedures for implementing the 2026 State Budget.
The seminar helped explain rules and regulations on budget execution, procurement, and expenditure authorization to the public administrators and public sector managers.
According to Finance Minister Santina Cardoso, once the previous year’s accounts are closed on 31 december, the Ministry enters the new year’s budget into the system. For 2026 State Budget, this process was completed on 3 january 2026.
The Minister said it is important for financial managers to understand the rules and recent updates to control public budgets properly.
“The seminar helps directors understand how to properly implement the 2026 budget. From tomorrow, all entities can access the system to start using it,” she added.
Cardoso also highlighted major changes in procurement for 2026.
All steps of the procurement process, from planning to execution, are now included in the system. The Ministry plans to launch a complete e-procurement platform soon.
“This system will make public contracts more transparent. Both the public and private sectors can follow procurement processes more easily. All contract proposals for 2026 will be submitted online,” she said.
She also outlined new rules for managing certain budget categories, such as domestic and international travel, training, and education. Once the initial allocations are set, these budgets cannot be changed.
“This means agencies must plan and use funds carefully from the start. We are also introducing quarterly reports to track how the budget is spent compared to program performance,” Cardoso explained.
Journalist: Cidalia Fátima
Editor: Armandina Moniz
Translation: Filomeno Martins
