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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Sierra Leone Foreign Currency Exchange Rate For October 4, 2024


The Bank of Sierra Leone has on the 4th of October, 2024 released the official foreign exchange rate in the country.

The rates include the cost of buying and selling major foreign currencies including Pounds Sterling, Euros, and United States Dollar, amongst others.

In the week from September 30 to October 4, 2024, the US dollar experienced notable gains against both the British pound and the euro, marking a significant shift in the foreign exchange market.

The Central Bank’s disclosed rates are as follows:

Pounds Sterling: Buy at Le 30.2348, Sell at Le 29.9318

U.S. Dollars: Buy at Le 22.7415, Sell at Le 22.5153

Euro: Buy at Le 25.1831, Sell at Le 24.9328

Meanwhile, in the unofficial market, the US dollar settled at Le25 (Buying) and Le24.2 (Selling) on Monday, October 7, 2024. This is according to parallel market operators in Central Freetown and Lungi.

NOTE: The Movements in the exchange rate influence the decisions of individuals, businesses and the Sierra Leone government. Collectively, this affects economic activity, inflation and the balance of payments.




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GTBank and CAFOD Boost Financial Inclusion for Women and Girls in Sierra Leone


Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) and Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) have successfully concluded their three-year collaboration as part of the Women and Girls FIRST financial inclusion project, funded by Jersey Overseas Aid (JOA).

This initiative has made significant strides in Kenema, Port Loko, and Kambia districts, recruiting 150 “Financial Champions” from project project Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs).

These champions have been registered and trained as GTBank mobile banking agents to support remote communities across eight chiefdoms, boosting financial inclusion.

The Women and Girls FIRST project aims to improve financial access and resilience for women and girls in these regions.




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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!




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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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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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Sierra Leone Foreign Currency Exchange Rate For September 22, 2024


The Bank of Sierra Leone has on the 20th of September released the official foreign exchange rate in the country.

The rates include the cost of buying and selling major foreign currencies including Pounds Sterling, Euros, and United States Dollar, amongst others.

In the week from September 17 to September 20, 2024, the British pound demonstrated a significant rise against both the US dollar and the euro. In contrast, the euro experienced more modest fluctuations. The US dollar showed relative stability during the same period.

The Central Bank’s disclosed rates are as follows:

Pounds Sterling: Buy at Le 30.1914, Sell at Le 29.8887

U.S. Dollars: Buy at Le 22.7003, Sell at Le 22.4744

Euro: Buy at Le 25.3454, Sell at Le 25.0955

Meanwhile, in the unofficial market, the US dollar settled at Le25 (Buying) and Le24.2 (Selling) on Monday, September 22, 2024. This is according to parallel market operators in Central Freetown and Lungi.

NOTE: The Movements in the exchange rate influence the decisions of individuals, businesses and the Sierra Leone government. Collectively, this affects economic activity, inflation and the balance of payments.




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NP (SL) Limited on a Trajectory of Digitally Transforming The Oil And Gas Industry in Sierra Leone


The oil and gas industry in Sierra Leone is highly competitive, with NP SL leading the way in the country’s market. NP SL has digitized its sales and is now moving towards cashless transactions. This transformation is making the Company more competitive, efficient, and the leading fuel dealer in the country.

The Company’s decision to embrace digitization is driven by the growing demand for petroleum and gas products due to an increasing population and industrialization. On April 24, 2024, NP SL unveiled its pilot phase of the Energy Pass Card. This innovative device aims to revolutionize the fueling experience and promote a cashless system. The main objectives of this new system are to drive towards a cashless solution, safeguard cash sales, achieve real-time fuel balance and ensure flexibility, self-service, availability, and accessibility of fuel nationwide.

The NP Energy Pass card is a user-friendly smart card that offers both online and offline usability, along with high-security features. It provides instant SMS notifications after every transaction to ensure transparency and accountability. NP SL is increasingly leveraging digital transformation to improve operational performance and accuracy, eliminating human error and making operations more efficient and risk-free. By leveraging the latest technologies, NP is able to gain greater insight into the full potential of their operations and make data-driven decisions.

With over 40 years of experience, NP SL has enjoyed dominance in market share position in Sierra Leone and has recently invested billions to rehabilitate a sophisticated Terminal facility in the country.The Company currently supplies over 80% of Government ministries, departments and agencies.

It is no secret that oil and gas will continue to be the main energy sources through 2040 as a result of the world’s growing need for primary energy. This is why, other oil marketing companies in Sierra Leone need to emulate NP’s footsteps to adapt to these changes to have a chance to compete in the local market by embracing new technologies or they will be left behind.




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UBA Launches Legacy Promo to Celebrate 15 Years in Sierra Leone


United Bank for Africa (UBA) celebrated its 15-year milestone in Sierra Leone with the launch of its UBA Legacy Promo at the bank’s head office on Charlotte Street.

The event, held on Friday, marked both the bank’s 75th global anniversary and its significant presence in the country.

Sallieu, Head of Communication, opened the event by highlighting the purpose of the promotion. “This promo is a way for us to thank our customers and celebrate our anniversary by giving back,” he said. The campaign will see 60 customers win various cash prizes, reflecting UBA’s commitment to acknowledging the support and trust of its clientele.

Chief Operating Officer Chiedu Ngene emphasized that the promotion is a key component of the anniversary celebrations. “We believe that celebrating our 15 years in Sierra Leone is best done by giving back to those who have been with us through the years,” he stated. Ngene also noted UBA’s significant contributions to Sierra Leone’s financial sector, including its pioneering role with AI-driven account opening via WhatsApp and being the first in West Africa to install an ATM.

Ngene introduced the bank’s range of account options, such as the UBA Sharp Sharp account, which can be opened with a minimum deposit of Le10. “Having an account is not just a privilege but a responsibility,” he added, encouraging everyone to take advantage of the bank’s accessible services.

The official launch was conducted by Christiana Saio Lamina, Head of Retail Banking, who outlined the promo’s details. “We have established many legacies over the years and are committed to continuing this tradition,” Lamina said. The promo will offer three prize tiers: Le10,000 for twenty winners, Le5,000 for another twenty, and Le2,500 for twenty more. The draws will occur in two phases: one in September and the second in the last week of December.

To participate, customers must deposit Le10,000 to be eligible for the top prize, or as little as Le2,000 for the lower category. Deposits must remain in the account until the draw is completed, with larger deposits increasing the chances of winning.

UBA’s Legacy Promo reflects the bank’s ongoing dedication to enhancing customer engagement and celebrating its long-standing impact on Sierra Leone’s financial landscape.




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