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Sierra Leone and Seven Other West African Countries in Malaysia to Unveil the Truth About QNET


QNET, a 26-year-old international direct selling company with operations in about 100 countries including Sierra Leone has invited journalists from seven West African countries to visit its Head Office in Malaysia and attend this year’s VCON, a global gathering of QNET’s independent distributors, marketing experts, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders.

Among the journalists invited from QNET’s sub-Saharan Africa operations were senior reporters and editors from Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, Senegal, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The Editor of Sierraloaded represented Sierra Leone.

As part of a tradition it began in 2022, QNET annually invites journalists from various countries to its headquarters to witness first-hand its operations and attend the company’s flagship conference, VCON, in Malaysia. This is part of its continued efforts to counter misinformation and build transparency around its brand and products.



In recent years, QNET has faced widespread misconceptions, as scammers have falsely used the company’s name to defraud people. In response, QNET has increased public education through press statements, media engagement events, and partnerships with security and government agencies particularly in Sierra Leone. It has also launched a robust anti-fraud initiative called “QNET Against Scams,” aimed at offering clear, factual information about the company and its offerings.

As part of the media tour, West African journalists visited QNET’s 15-storey headquarters, the QI Tower a towering and modern facility that visibly reinforces the company’s legitimacy and global reach. They also toured the QNET product gallery, where they could see and experience the lifestyle and wellness products the company manufactures for customers in Sierra Leone, Africa, and beyond.

Journalists participated in presentations detailing QNET’s business structure, philosophy, model, and product lines. During these sessions, it was made evident that QNET is a long-established company with a genuine presence and commitment to African markets. The media team was also introduced to the RYTHM Foundation (Raise Yourself To Help Mankind), the company’s corporate social responsibility arm, which supports impactful humanitarian projects worldwide.

Day One of the tour emphasized QNET’s operations in Africa especially Sierra Leone where fraudulent individuals have used the company’s name to exploit innocent people. QNET made it clear that it has no association with such individuals and is actively working to combat scams and misinformation. Inviting journalists from several African countries is one way QNET aims to increase transparency and correct public misconceptions.

During the sessions, QNET repeatedly clarified the following:

It does not offer job opportunities abroad or require large payments in exchange for employment.

It does not offer scholarships or visa services.

QNET is not a Ponzi scheme or an investment platform.

Anyone spreading such false claims should be reported to security agencies or directly to QNET via its WhatsApp hotline: +233 256 630 005.

VCON 2025 officially opens on June 21, 2025, on the beautiful island of Penang, Malaysia, with over 8,000 participants expected from around the world.



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Sierra Leone and Seven Other West African Countries in Malaysia to Unveil the Truth About QNET


QNET, a 26-year-old international direct selling company with operations in about 100 countries including Sierra Leone has invited journalists from seven West African countries to visit its Head Office in Malaysia and attend this year’s VCON, a global gathering of QNET’s independent distributors, marketing experts, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders.

Among the journalists invited from QNET’s sub-Saharan Africa operations were senior reporters and editors from Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, Senegal, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The Editor of Sierraloaded represented Sierra Leone.

As part of a tradition it began in 2022, QNET annually invites journalists from various countries to its headquarters to witness first-hand its operations and attend the company’s flagship conference, VCON, in Malaysia. This is part of its continued efforts to counter misinformation and build transparency around its brand and products.



In recent years, QNET has faced widespread misconceptions, as scammers have falsely used the company’s name to defraud people. In response, QNET has increased public education through press statements, media engagement events, and partnerships with security and government agencies particularly in Sierra Leone. It has also launched a robust anti-fraud initiative called “QNET Against Scams,” aimed at offering clear, factual information about the company and its offerings.

As part of the media tour, West African journalists visited QNET’s 15-storey headquarters, the QI Tower a towering and modern facility that visibly reinforces the company’s legitimacy and global reach. They also toured the QNET product gallery, where they could see and experience the lifestyle and wellness products the company manufactures for customers in Sierra Leone, Africa, and beyond.

Journalists participated in presentations detailing QNET’s business structure, philosophy, model, and product lines. During these sessions, it was made evident that QNET is a long-established company with a genuine presence and commitment to African markets. The media team was also introduced to the RYTHM Foundation (Raise Yourself To Help Mankind), the company’s corporate social responsibility arm, which supports impactful humanitarian projects worldwide.

Day One of the tour emphasized QNET’s operations in Africa especially Sierra Leone where fraudulent individuals have used the company’s name to exploit innocent people. QNET made it clear that it has no association with such individuals and is actively working to combat scams and misinformation. Inviting journalists from several African countries is one way QNET aims to increase transparency and correct public misconceptions.

During the sessions, QNET repeatedly clarified the following:

It does not offer job opportunities abroad or require large payments in exchange for employment.

It does not offer scholarships or visa services.

QNET is not a Ponzi scheme or an investment platform.

Anyone spreading such false claims should be reported to security agencies or directly to QNET via its WhatsApp hotline: +233 256 630 005.

VCON 2025 officially opens on June 21, 2025, on the beautiful island of Penang, Malaysia, with over 8,000 participants expected from around the world.



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Interswitch Sets a New Pulse in West African Finance


In the rhythm of Sierra Leone’s evolving financial system, a new beat is beginning to emerge; steady, deliberate, and increasingly digital. That rhythm will quicken this week as Interswitch, one of Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce companies, convenes key stakeholders in New Brookfields Hotel, Jomo Kenyatta Road, Freetown for the second edition of its Fintech Forum, themed “Access, Inclusion and Growth – Deepening Digital Payments in Sierra Leone.”

Set to take place on June 5, 2025, the event will bring together a cross section of the country’s financial services ecosystem including banks, fintech startups, regulators, microfinance institutions, mobile money operators, and members of the media, for a conversation that transcends product launches and panel discussions. It aims to spark collective action toward a more financially inclusive Sierra Leone.

At the heart of this gathering lies a shared imperative — to foster a more inclusive economy by expanding formal financial access to a broader segment of Sierra Leone’s population. While meaningful progress is underway, many still navigate daily life without reliable access to financial services. Access remains uneven, infrastructure is still evolving, and in many rural communities, cash continues to dominate everyday transactions. Bridging this gap requires collaborative effort, and that’s precisely what this forum seeks to advance.



Events like the Interswitch Fintech Forum matter because they bring together those actively working to solve these challenges. More than just a platform for discussion, the forum will serve as a catalyst for meaningful action and tangible progress.

Interswitch’s entry into the Sierra Leonean market is timely. With over two decades of experience driving Africa’s digital payments evolution, the company’s expansion signals a broader shift in how regional players are approaching scale, access, and long-term presence. While mobile wallets and digital platforms continue to proliferate across the continent, the real challenge lies in ensuring these tools are not only available but usable, trusted, and accessible, particularly in underserved communities where traditional banking infrastructure is limited or non-existent.

A key highlight of the event will be a live demonstration of Interswitch’s Card Issuance Solution and the Agency Banking solution. For those unfamiliar with the model, agency banking essentially brings banking closer to the people through local agents equipped with tech-enabled tools. These agents enable customers to carry out essential financial services such as withdrawals, deposits, bill payments, and transfers, without having to travel long distances to a physical bank branch. In markets where agency banking has gained traction, it has helped in demystifying financial systems, offering human touchpoints that ease the transition into formal digital finance.

Technology is not the only reason this forum stands out; equally significant is the regulatory environment in which it is unfolding. The Bank of Sierra Leone has articulated a clear vision, one that recognises digital financial services as essential to the country’s economic resilience. In expressing its willingness to collaborate with credible private-sector stakeholders, the Central Bank is not only opening the door to innovation but also emphasising the importance of stability and accountability. This clarity provides fintech players with the confidence to explore new solutions, while setting a high standard for sustainable, responsible growth.

As Sierra Leone advances its digital financial agenda, the upcoming Interswitch Fintech Forum highlights the importance of cross-sector collaboration in driving sustainable impact. For Interswitch, the event signals more than market penetration and expansion, it affirms a strategic commitment to supporting the country’s financial transformation journey. By bringing together key players across the ecosystem, the forum is poised to set the stage for long-term partnerships, scalable innovation, and inclusive growth, all critical pillars for building a resilient, future-ready financial landscape.



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Rokel Bank MD Appointed Chair of African Leadership Council for Sierra Leone


Dr. Walton Gilpin, Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank, has been appointed Chair of the African Leadership Council for the Sierra Leone Chapter.

The announcement was made during an official event held at the Bank of Sierra Leone Complex on Sunday, 22nd November 2024. This event also coincided with the bank’s 25th Anniversary celebrations, which included a Thanksgiving Service at Wesley Methodist Church, a march-past, and a formal dinner.

Dr. Gilpin received the insignia of office and a Certificate of Listing as one of the top 40 African Caribbean business leaders for 2024 from Samuel Elaikwu, a senior representative of the African Leadership Organisation (ALO).



The African Leadership Council works to advance global opportunities for African countries, and Dr. Gilpin’s new role will focus on leveraging these opportunities to promote Sierra Leone on the international business stage.

Dr. Gilpin, who has previously been recognized as one of the top 25 African Banking Leaders by the Pan-African Leadership Magazine, described the appointment as a victory for Sierra Leone. In his statement, he encouraged his fellow citizens to unite and refrain from negative discourse.

Among his accolades, Dr. Gilpin received the prestigious US Congressional Award from the State of Carolina in 2023.

The African Leadership Organisation (UK) continues to support African and Caribbean business leaders in fostering global connections and promoting sustainable development across the continent.



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West African Journalists Visit QNET Head Office in Malaysia to Unravel the Truth About the Company


Five journalists from five West African countries namely, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal and Burkina Faso took a trip to the Head Office of QNET on 8th May, 2024 to unravel the truth about the company.

Over the years, there has been a number of negative media publications about QNET and in some West Africa countries, the company has been vilified repeatedly. There are some people who would quickly dismiss QNET as a scam, a pyramid scheme or a human trafficking group.

These perceptions have negatively affected the image and reputation of the company in Sierra Leone.
As part of the proactive measures the 26-year-old global direct selling company is implementing in trying to provide accurate information about its business model, products and identity, and to fight misinformation, QNET organized a special media junket for journalists across West Africa, to visit and experience QNET in Malaysia and independently assess the values, culture, practice, business model, products, brand promise and authenticity of the company.



The media junket comprises seasoned journalists with many decades of combined journalistic experience. Some of them are senior editors and local correspondents of leading global media organisations such as the Voice of America, VOA in their various countries.

Together with these journalists from West Africa, I arrived in Malaysia on 9th May, 2024 with an open and investigative mind. On Friday, 10th May, 2024, officers of QNET took us to the QNET office located inside the 15-storey QI Tower in Kuala Lumpur. From the conversations and explanations that I had, I realised that the QI Tower is QI Group’s operational headquarters and it houses QNET as a subsidiary of the Group. The building is owned by QI, parent company of QNET and was acquired about 11 years ago. This is an important indication that the company is in business to stay for now and the future.

The Global Public Relations Manager of the company and his colleagues took us on a tour of the company’s offices at QI Tower. We were treated to an eye-opening presentation on the company, its history, business model, products, corporate social responsibility projects in Africa and across the world, its successes and challenges in Africa, among other things. Right there, we were presented with some amazing QNET products. It was the first time I met officials of QNET physically.

I have seen and heard journalists or people in Sierra Leone erroneously refer to distributors or independent representatives (IRs) of QNET as ‘workers’ of QNET.
I realized that IRs are not QNET workers, they are promoters and distributors of QNET products who act on their volition and not officially in the name of QNET as direct employees. So, when an IR behaves in an unethical way, it is wrong to refer to him or her as a QNET worker or staff. It is also very important to separate the unethical behaviour or act of an individual from the general identity and reputation QNET.

At the QI Tower, we were given some QNET products and they include LifeCode Belite 123 (a 3-in-1 weight management formula), LifeCode Kenta (Vitamin-Rich Supplement for longevity), LifeCode Qafe (Safe and Effective Weight Loss Formula), LifeCode EDG3 Plus (A multi-functional beverage for elevating everyday health) and Omni wrist watch from the 150-year-old Bernard H.

Meyer line of swiss-made watches.
We were told about how QNET products are developed. They are derived from extensive research from different parts of the world and they have been tried, tested and proven to be efficient in helping people achieve good health and wellness. They are also certified by many reputable certification authorities across the world. If those products were not real or good for the body, they would not be certified by the Hong Kong Health Food Association, the Health Supplements Industry Association of Singapore and other national certification authorities in many African countries where QNET products are promoted and distributed by their independent representatives.

On 12th may, 2024 I attended the opening ceremony of QNET’s global conference, known as the VCON. Thousands of people from different parts of the world, including dignitaries and VIPs from Africa were present.

At the opening ceremony, I saw in real life and for the first time, the two founders of QNET, Dato Sri Vijay Eswaran and Mr. Joseph Bismark, who established QNET in 1998. They told the inspiring story of how they started QNET and the hurdles they overcame for the company to become one of the leading direct selling companies in the world. If everyone in Sierra Leone were present at the event, I believe all the misconceptions and misinformation about QNET would suddenly disappear from their minds. This is because the truth about QNET was told in the simplest and most understandable way ever.

On Monday, 13th May, 2024, I had the opportunity of sitting at another presentation led by the top management of QNET. The team comprised the Regional General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, Biram Fall, Chief Communications Officer for the QI Group, Ramya Chandrasekeran, Deputy Chairperson of QNET, Malou Caluza (former CEO of QNET), Chief Legal Officer, Nikhil Patel, Chief Marketing Officer, Trevor Kuna and others. I vividly narrated the current perception people have about QNET in Sierra Leone and asked them about what they company plans to do about it.

The team acknowledged the fact that QNET is misunderstood and misrepresented by some people in Sierra Leone. They mentioned they have embarked on public education and media campaign dubbed: “SAY NO CAMPAIGN” in some West African countries and would intensify efforts towards educating the media and the general public in Sierra Leone.

They mentioned that they are engaging and collaborating with authorities such as the security agencies to wipe out the bad nuts and unscrupulous people who are tarnishing the company’s image. They said they will continue to work with them to ensure the general public is educated and protected against scam, fake jobs and human trafficking allegations that are sometimes leveled against the company.

They are also increasing the rate at which they train their independent representatives or distributors so that they can keep practicing ethical marketing behaviours.
The media junket organized by QNET is a big step in the right direction. It helps to deepen engagement and rapport with journalists who are the news makers. It is also an effective way of passing the right information to the general public through the journalists that visited the company in Malaysia. Seeing, they say, is believing, I have seen QNET in its totality and I believe that though the company is facing challenges of misrepresentation, it is a real company with beautiful and amazing products that are sold across the world.

Now, I also know that QNET is touching millions of lives across the world, empowering them economically and championing their health and wellness, so they can live the best versions of their lives.



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RCBank Nominated to Promote Usage And Adoption of New Innovative Pan African Payment Systems


A Rokel Commercial Bank delegation including the Board of Directors Chairman, Buffy Bailor, Managing Director Dr Walton Gilpin and top IT staff are in Cape Town, South Africa to attend a high-level meeting on the adoption and use of the innovative Pan African Payment System (PAPPS) by banks around the continent.

Pioneered by the Afreximbank, the PAPPS will create a flawless and highly effective international payment system that will invariably support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AcFTA) established in 2018 and signed by 43 African countries including Sierra Leone.

The new cross-border payment also seeks to operationalize a 2019 resolution by African heads of state that the PAPPS should become the main infrastructure for payments and settlements within the African financial markets.



Therefore, working with local banks like the RCbank to popularize and promote the adoption and utilization of the payment system tool has been deemed to be a critical component of its growth and success. A high point of the event was when heads from some of the partnering banks, including the Rokel Commercial Bank shared their experiences on the use of the PAPPS.

At the end of a highly interactive event, RCBank was among the financial institutions nominated as member of the Working Group of the PAPPS network/club to promote the adoption and usage of the payment platform.





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West African Journalists Dispel Misconceptions Surrounding QNET Following V-Convention Attendance


In September 2023, a select group of West African journalists received an exclusive invitation from QNET’s top brass to attend the annual V-Convention in Malaysia. Prior to this, prevalent negative narratives stemming from media reports in Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Nigeria had cast significant doubts on QNET’s credibility.

Allegations of fraudulent activities linked to QNET, promising lucrative job placements abroad, scholarship opportunities, and rapid wealth accumulation, had tainted the company’s reputation. Victims, having fallen prey to these schemes, sought recourse through law enforcement agencies.

However, the journalists’ direct exposure to QNET’s operations during the V-Con event markedly altered their perceptions. They attested to witnessing a robust, authentic enterprise offering an extensive array of health, wellness, and lifestyle products aimed at enhancing lives.



Highlighting QNET’s grassroots e-commerce-based model, they emphasized its empowerment of millions of entrepreneurs across 100+ countries over its 25-year history. Notably, they commended its inclusivity, enabling individuals—especially women—to establish businesses and generate income by retailing QNET’s products.

Operating from Hong Kong, QNET’s expansive global presence in over 25 countries through diverse subsidiaries and partnerships underscores its commitment to ethical business practices.

At the engagement held in Malaysia’s Amari Hotel, journalists engaged with QNET officials, delving into pertinent inquiries about alleged fraudulent activities in their home countries. Biram Fall, QNET’s Regional General Manager SSA, reiterated the company’s staunch stance against any representative violating its ethical marketing standards. He emphatically clarified that QNET neither endorses employment promises nor guarantees returns, investments, or scholarships in exchange for payments.

Their firsthand encounters at QNET’s showcase of products within the QNET Tower in Malaysia left a lasting impression on the journalists. They emphasized the superior quality and benefits of QNET’s offerings, highlighting products like the Home Pure Nova Water Purifier renowned for its nine-stage purification process, alongside air purifiers, watches, jewelry, supplements, and lifestyle products.

Attending V-CON, where 15,000 to 20,000 Independent Representatives and partners convened, exposed them to motivational speakers and compelling testimonies affirming the authenticity of QNET’s offerings.

Post-event, these journalists actively shared their enlightening experiences, significantly reshaping perceptions of QNET. They stressed the repercussions awaiting any representative found misrepresenting the company, reinforcing QNET’s commitment to ethical conduct and dispelling fraudulent scheme associations.

Their testimonials stand as compelling evidence of QNET’s integrity, genuine product offerings, and dedication to ethical business principles.



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Rokel Bank MD Named African Banker of the Year at the Marriott County Hall in London


Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, the Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank, has been honored as the African Banker of the Year at the Global Reputational & Fintech Award ceremony hosted by Reputation Poll International at London’s Marriott County Hall.

The Global Reputational Forum &  Fintech and Award ceremony was hosted by Reputation Poll International on the 8th & 9th December, 2023 at the Marriott County Hall in London.

The event was staged to acknowledge rapid expansion, integration, accelerated growth, and reforms of Africa’s banking and financial sector. The event honored and celebrated outstanding Banks and Fintech Institutions that are moving Africa’s rapidly transforming the financial sector.



The first day of the event took the form of a symposium that featured four groups discussing different walks of life. Dr. Gilpin happened to be part of the banking sector group to discuss the digital transformation in the banking sector of Sierra Leone and Africa at large.

Key members of his team were adroit panelists like:

  1. Peter Kolade Fashesin-Souza from Bank of England
  2. Dr. Graham Bright from Euro Exim Bank
  3. Mr. Olufemi Bakre from Paralex Bank Nigeria, and
  4. Dr. Tony Ojobo – The lead panelist – President of the African ICT Foundation

Dr. Gilpin served as a moderator on the second day of the event that featured speeches and fire side chats with panelists like:
1. Her Excellency Atifete Jahjaga – First female president of Kosovo (2011-2016)
2. Dr. Yvonne Thompson – Founder WINTRADE GLOBAL
3. Dr. Rex Idaminabo – FRSA
4. Olori Atuwatse III – Queen of Warri Kingdom, Nigeria
5. Prof. Mthulincube – Ministry of Finance & Inv, Zimbabwe
6. Peter K. Fashesin-Souza – Head of IT, Security & Risk, Bank of England (HSBC)
7. Festus Akinbusoye – Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner

Dr Walton E. Gilpin impressed the high-level panelists of finance, economic experts and leaders on the 8th & 9th of December, 2023 deliberating on the operations of traditional banks in Africa and how they are embracing technology for enhanced customer experiences and operational efficiency.

Dr. Gilpin emerging as “African Banker of The Year” is a testament of the cutting edge strategies in the technological and innovative drive of RCBank to place itself among key players in the African Continental Innovation Drive.

The prodigious fulfillment of the Sierra Leone banking industry by the astute MD will always leave an indelible blueprint for many banking and other financial practitioners.

The Managing Director who is renowned for his flawless oratory and excellent skills of the financial industry explained effortlessly the intricacies and opportunities digitalization has brought to the continent’s banking industry, making reference to Rokel Commercial Bank which he said has diligently navigated through a tumultuous transition to become a leader in innovative digital banking in Sierra Leone.

Underscoring the challenges faced by banks especially in terms of their desire to serve the whole country versus the realities of coping with infrastructural shortfalls like insufficient mobile connectivity, the MD said banks would normally have to collaborate with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to ensure customers have access to financial services wherever possible. To this end and considering the fact that Sierra Leone is a cash based economy, RCBank has adopted several innovative ways to ensure customers access their services in almost every part of the country.

This type of plenary session is the dream of great bankers and financial practitioners who may want to develop their up-skills and want to be part of a team of highbrows.
RCBank – The Bank of Choice!!!



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Ex-Housemates Salone Star Almon Sall, Bags African Fashion Model of The Year Nomination


One of Sierra Leone’s male models and ex-housemate Salone contestant Alimamy Sall Kamara popularly known as (Almon Sall) has been nominated as best African Fashion Model of the Year 2023 by the African Fashion Desingers Awards.

Almon Sall has represented Sierra Leone on international stages and he is reportedly the first Sierra Leonean model to be nominated for the award and was nominated among different Africans models.

Almon has called on his fans and Sierra Leoneans to support him win the award by voting endlessly for him.



The African Fashion Designer Awards is a fashion exhibition event that showcases Fashion through creative designers by allowing them to display their talent thereby boosting their confidence.

The African Fashion Awards is to raise the profile of African Fashion Creatives in the Global Fashion Industry ensuring that they are featured and considered as serious contributors in the global marketplace.



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