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A Landmark Event Empowering Entrepreneurs and Boosting Economic Growth


QNET’s highly anticipated V-Africa 2025, a regional edition of the company’s flagship convention has taken place in Ghana from February 20 to 23, 2025. The Accra International Conference Centre hosted 4000 participants from across the Sub-Saharan Africa region as they experienced four days of empowerment, networking, and innovation.

The convention showcased QNET’s exclusive product offerings, provide immersive entrepreneurship training, and contributed significantly to Ghana’s tourism and economic growth.

Trevor Kuna, Chief Marketing Officer for QNET, expressed his enthusiasm: “Hosting V-Africa 2025 in Ghana is a testament to our commitment to supporting entrepreneurs in Africa. This event isn’t just about showcasing our brand—it’s about empowering individuals to achieve their dreams while contributing meaningfully to local economies.”



Empowering Entrepreneurs, Celebrating Culture

V-Africa featured product workshops, dynamic training sessions on business building and entrepreneurship, and an exhibition displaying QNET’s signature product brands such as Homepure range of home care products, Amezcua’s wellness range, Swiss watch brand Bernhard H. Mayer’s new Collection, and more. Attendees gained invaluable insights into QNET’s ethos of wellness, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, setting the stage for lasting business growth.

Biram Fall, QNET’s Regional General Manager for sub-Saharan Africa, elaborated on the event’s local significance: “V-Africa 2025 has left a lasting legacy by empowering African entrepreneurs from different countries and supporting Ghana’s tourism industry. This is more than a business convention—it’s a platform for connection, growth, and transformation.”

Driving Tourism and Economic Growth

As one of the largest events of its kind, V-Africa 2025 attracted participants from 25 countries, providing a boost to the local hospitality, transportation, and tourism sectors. QNET’s commitment to Africa includes partnering with local stakeholders to ensure the event delivers long-term benefits to the continent.

About QNET

QNET is a prominent lifestyle and wellness company that uses a direct selling business model to offer a wide selection of exclusive products that enable individuals to embrace a healthier, more balanced life.

Since 1998, QNET’s innovative products and e-commerce-driven business model have helped build a global community of satisfied customers and microentrepreneurs, who are driven by the mission of RYTHM – Raise Yourself To Help Mankind. Popular product brands offered by QNET include the Bernhard H. Mayer range of luxury watches and jewellery, HomePure range of home care products, the Amezcua wellness range, Physio Radiance personal care range, and QVI branded holiday packages.

QNET proudly holds memberships in the Direct Selling Association in several countries, the Hong Kong Health Food Association, the Health Supplements Industry Association of Singapore, and more. QNET is also active in several global sports sponsorships including in its role as the official direct selling partner of the Manchester City Football Club and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), underscoring its commitment to excellence and global reach.  Discover a world of new possibilities with QNET by visiting www.qnet.net



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British International Investment Boosts Private Sector Growth in Sierra Leone With Ecobank Partnership


The United Kingdom Government, through its development finance institution, British International Investment (BII) has announced a $25 million risk-sharing facility with Ecobank Sierra Leone to stimulate private sector growth in high-impact sectors of the economy.

The facility, which includes a comprehensive technical assistance program, will support Ecobank in increasing lending to ambitious businesses in this frontier market.

The private sector plays a crucial role in Sierra Leone’s economy, primarily through small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that employ around 70% of the population. However, these businesses often struggle to access capital due to various factors, including limited financial products, high collateral requirements, and short-term loan tenors.



The new facility will support local currency lending, demonstrating BII’s ability to act as a first mover in frontier markets. By increasing credit limits and extending loan tenors, the investment will help Ecobank Sierra Leone grow its loan book and boost business growth, job creation, and private sector contribution to the economy.

This transaction marks a significant milestone as the first investment under the Africa Resilience Investment Accelerator (ARIA), a collaborative initiative launched by BII and FMO, the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank. ARIA aims to boost investment in frontier markets like Sierra Leone.

The Sierra Leone economy faces challenges including a depreciating currency, a large trade deficit, and insufficient infrastructure investment. BII’s investment targets critical sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, agro-processing, infrastructure, and manufacturing to spur economic growth and development.

UK Minister for Development, Anneliese Dodds, expressed her delight at the partnership, stating that it will support local currency lending, bring much-needed capital into high-impact sectors, and contribute to job creation and economic growth.

Samir Abhyankar, MD and Head of Financial Services at BII, highlighted the facility’s potential to be a game-changer for Sierra Leone, providing much-needed capital for local businesses to accelerate their growth, spur job creation, and deepen impact.

Sebastian Ashong-Katai, Managing Director of Ecobank Sierra Leone, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing its importance in boosting Ecobank’s lending capacity and supporting Sierra Leone businesses.

Alex Kucharski, BII’s Head of West Africa for ARIA, added that ARIA aims to unlock investment in Sierra Leone and that the investment in Ecobank Sierra Leone will bring much-needed growth capital to underserved businesses in the country.



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Leveraging Expansion for Growth: RCBank Announces Plans for Further Expansion in Sierra Leone


Since 2017, RCBank has demonstrated that local brands can compete both nationally and internationally through innovation and strategic growth.

Recently, RCBank opened a second branch in Bo and announced further expansion plans across Sierra Leone, aiming to strengthen its presence in provincial areas as well.

Mrs. Millicent Cole, Director of Credit Risk, recalled that in 1999, when the bank changed ownership, it was operating as a single branch after Barclays had closed all its locations. Today, RCBank boasts 21 branches, including outlets, and is the first bank in the country to have two branches in Bo City.

 

“We now have two branches in Bo City. Very soon, we will be opening two more branches, with another one before our next anniversary. When Barclays left, we had fewer than 100 employees, but today, we have over 500, a testament to the bank’s contribution to employment in Sierra Leone,” she stated.

She also expressed gratitude to God for blessing the bank with a great team and credited the dynamic and visionary leadership of Managing Director Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin for the bank’s growth.

Managing Director Dr. Walton Gilpin emphasized the significance of an active banking sector for a thriving economy. He encouraged account holders to engage in various banking transactions beyond simple deposits and withdrawals, noting the range of services offered by RCBank, including banking cards, mobile apps for transactions, balance checks, and insurance payments.

Dr. Gilpin also underscored the bank’s commitment to reaching underserved areas, stating that RCBank has branches throughout the country and plans further expansion. His vision is to elevate Sierra Leone’s financial sector and extend RCBank’s presence beyond national borders. He highlighted RCBank’s pioneering step of opening a second branch in Bo, setting a precedent for other banks by enhancing service delivery.

By implementing strong risk management frameworks, adhering to regulatory requirements, and embracing digital innovation, RCBank has built credibility and established long-term stakeholder relationships. Dr. Gilpin stressed the importance of forging strategic partnerships and ensuring regulatory compliance to help Sierra Leonean banks strengthen their competitive position, drive sustainable growth, and contribute to the country’s economic development, as well as Africa’s.

RCBank (SL) Ltd. is now fully digital, in line with the theme of its 25th anniversary: “Digitalization Towards Customer Satisfaction,” focusing on bringing banking services to the grassroots.

As RCBank continues to expand, it is poised to become a key player in the financial landscape, attracting investors and positioning itself for success in Sierra Leone’s market.

RCBank – The Bank of Choice!

The post Leveraging Expansion for Growth: RCBank Announces Plans for Further Expansion in Sierra Leone appeared first on Sierraloaded.



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A Center of Excellence For Financial Inclusion And Economic Growth in Sierra Leone’s Digital Journey


Rokel Commercial Bank (formerly Barclays Bank of Sierra Leone) is one of the leading Banking institutions in Sierra Leone in terms of digital financial services.

RCBank was established in 1917 as Barclays Bank DCO with 100% shares owned by the parent company. The rationale behind the move was to encourage Sierra Leoneans to Participate as owners and develop confidence in the Bank. Named after the longest river in Sierra Leone, Rokel Commercial bank remains the gateway to banking in the country.

RCBank Simkorpor Plus Application and Internet Banking have resulted in the transformation of the digital landscape and brought unprecedented convenience to Sierra Leoneans for their financial transactions.



Dr. Walton E. Gilpin; RC Bank Managing Director, reaffirmed the commitment of management to comply with the Bank of Sierra Leone Prudential Guidelines and to position RCB as the preferred banking institution in Sierra Leone. ‘’it is going be the people’s bank with branches operating in other part of the sub region.

CREATING A CENTER OF EXCELLENCE – enable business units to drive financial inclusion and economic growth in Sierra Leone digital journey
The Bank is a Center of Excellence within Sierra Leone Financial Industry which operates with principles of empowering business units and facilitating financial transactions to drive growth in the financial Industry and the economy.

With RCBank Internet Banking, customers can automatically Pay their Bills Super fast with Online Banking Services.

The Process is Simple to pay for goods and services using Sim Korpor: Just Use the QR Code Function to Scan RCBank QR Codes at Supermarkets, restaurants, markets, Hospitals, bars, and more . Alternatively, you can use the Institutional payment option to make payment.
Customers accounts are automatically credited or debited for each deposit, making it easy to stay on track.

The introduction of the Rokel Sim Korpor Plus Application marked not only a significant milestone for the bank but also for Sierra Leone as a whole.

During an interview with the head of RCBank Sim Korpor department Mrs. Kezia Salankole emphasized how RCBank’s Simkorpor department has transformed the digital landscape and brought unprecedented convenience to Sierra Leoneans for their financial transactions.

“By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, the bank has empowered people to perform secure and seamless transactions from the comfort of their own homes or wherever they may be,” she said.
A standout accomplishment that Mrs. Salankole proudly shared was the expansion of the RCBank Simkorpor department, which can now boast of over 200 agency banking locations spread throughout the country. “This achievement is a testament to RCBank’s dedication to serving the needs of its customers and bringing innovative solutions closer to them,” she noted.

Mrs. Salankole acknowledged that customer orientation played a pivotal role in their success.
RCBank’s customer-centric approach ensures that every decision made by the bank is geared towards enhancing customer satisfaction. This dedication to customer service has been the driving force behind the success of their flagship program, the Simkorpor Service, which was initiated by their Managing Director, Dr. Gilpin.

Reflecting on the impact of the Simkorpor Service, Mrs. Salankole explained that it has become the bank’s digital icon, enabling customers to conduct various transactions, such as paying for goods and services, handling third-party services, and paying bills from anywhere they are located.
“This has facilitated financial inclusiveness, increased access to finance, and reduced costs for individuals, contributing to the growth of Sierra Leone’s economy,” she said.

While celebrating their achievements, Mrs. Salankole acknowledged the challenges they faced in promoting digital services, particularly in overcoming resistance from individuals not yet accustomed to using such technologies. However, RCBank’s dedicated marketing teams have been actively raising awareness among the masses, making strides to bridge the digital divide and encourage the adoption of their services.

Regarding security measures, Mrs. Salankole assured customers that the Sim Korpor Service incorporates robust security features. Transactions are protected by two-factor authentication and encrypted end-to-end to ensure maximum safety. However, she also emphasized the importance for customers to protect their phones with passwords and remain vigilant about their device security.

As RCBank continues to expand its digital footprint, the Simkorpor department’s success is a testament to the bank’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. With over 200 agency banking locations nationwide, RCBank is poised to further drive financial inclusion and economic growth in Sierra Leone.



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President Bio Pledges Support For Business Growth in Sierra Leone


Sierra Leone’s President Julius Bio made a resounding commitment to bolster business development in Sierra Leone during his address at the Rebranding Africa Forum meeting held in Brussels on 20 October 2023.

President Bio emphasized his dedication to supporting and encouraging business growth in Sierra Leone while addressing officials and fellow African leaders. He stressed the strong and harmonious relationship between the government of Sierra Leone and the private sector, underscoring a robust bond that facilitates cooperation.

The President’s statements were corroborated by the recent annual political dialogue he had with the European Union and various private companies operating in Sierra Leone, reflecting the collaborative efforts to promote economic progress.



“I am here fighting, or attempting to be a marketer because I want to convince you that I am up to the task,” President Bio declared.

He expressed his unwavering commitment to attracting more businesses to Sierra Leone, stating, “Whatever it takes to bring more businesses into Sierra Leone, I am prepared to convince you and provide support.”

President Bio’s remarks highlight his administration’s dedication to fostering economic growth and strengthening Sierra Leone’s position as an attractive destination for investments and business development.

The Rebranding Africa Forum provided a platform for African leaders to discuss strategies for enhancing the continent’s economic prospects, and President Bio’s strong endorsement of Sierra Leone’s private sector aligns with the broader goals of the event.



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