As Sierra Leone ushers in 2025, the Senior Staff Association (SSA) of Rokel Commercial Bank has delivered a heartfelt New Year message, extending appreciation and hope for the year ahead.
In their statement, the SSA commended the exemplary leadership of the bank’s Managing Director, Dr. Walton Gilpin COOR, whose visionary guidance has elevated Rokel Commercial Bank to a prominent position within Sierra Leone’s banking sector. They highlighted his dynamic approach as instrumental in achieving remarkable milestones over the past year.
The SSA also expressed gratitude to the Board of Directors, management, staff, and the bank’s loyal customers for their unwavering support and dedication, which have collectively contributed to the institution’s success.
Looking forward to 2025, the association emphasized its commitment to fostering growth, collaboration, and continued excellence within the bank and the broader financial sector.
Concluding the message, the SSA wished everyone a prosperous and successful New Year filled with opportunities and achievements.
HAPPY New Year to all from the Senior Staff Association of Rokel Commercial Bank!
Orange Sierra Leone has unveiled Max it, a groundbreaking super-app designed to simplify daily life by integrating telecom, financial services, and e-commerce in one platform. Accessible to all, regardless of their mobile operator, Max it uses Orange Money as a payment base making it an inclusive tool for diverse users.
Following the success of its My Orange and Orange Money apps, which serve over 22 million daily users, Orange has developed Max it to meet the evolving needs of customers in Africa and the Middle East. The app provides a seamless interface for managing mobile or fixed lines, conducting financial transactions such as money transfers and savings, and accessing marketplace services like online shopping, digital entertainment, and ticketing for events or transportation.
Developed by Orange teams in Africa, Max it is tailored to the region’s unique needs and is initially available in 13 countries: Cameroon, Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Botswana etc. Plans are underway to expand to 17 more countries across Africa and the Middle East. Orange predicts that Max it will reach 45 million active users by 2025, with smartphone penetration in the region projected to hit 61% within the same time frame.
Designed to be user-friendly and available in multiple languages, Max it incorporates local features to ensure broader accessibility. This aligns with Orange’s vision of fostering inclusion and promoting digital adoption across the continent.
The app will be continuously updated with additional features and services, leveraging local and international partnerships to enhance its offerings.
Speaking about the launch, Christel Heydemann, CEO of Orange, said: “Max it embodies Orange’s innovative spirit in Africa and the Middle East. By integrating diverse services, we reinforce our role as a multi-service operator and demonstrate our commitment to delivering the best of digital technology to our customers.”
Jérôme Hénique, CEO of Orange Africa and the Middle East, added: “Through collaboration with stakeholders, Max it offers an efficient and inclusive platform for managing phone plans, finances, and purchases. This is a significant step toward driving digital transformation and fostering opportunities for growth on the continent.”
Orange’s Max it sets a new benchmark for super-apps in Africa and the Middle East, offering a dynamic solution that bridges the gap between connectivity and daily needs while contributing to the region’s digital evolution.
On Monday, December 9, 2024, Rokel Commercial Bank officially launched its partnership with Vult by Metro Cable, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming financial inclusion in Sierra Leone.
The ceremony, attended by senior management teams from Rokel Commercial Bank and Vult, marked a significant step in advancing digital banking solutions and expanding access to financial services across the country.
Providing insight into Vult’s operations and its role in promoting digital financial inclusion, Abdul Salam Kallon, Head of Compliance at Vult, explained that the Metro e-wallet is a payment platform under the Bank of Sierra Leone’s Sandbox Program. He noted that the initiative integrates Vult with digital wallets, offering users access to wallet services, cards, and payment systems for various needs.
He highlighted that the Vult app is available for download on Google Play Store, allowing users to sign up easily using their phone numbers and email addresses. “Since it operates online, the platform is equipped with strict security features to ensure user safety,” he said.
Kallon emphasized the platform’s versatility, stating that Vult enables users to receive money locally and internationally, conduct cross-border transactions, and make payments for goods across international borders. “It functions much like opening a bank account, and our cards can be used at Rokel Commercial Bank ATMs and POS machines both within and outside Sierra Leone,” he explained.
He concluded by reiterating that the primary goal of the partnership with Rokel Commercial Bank is to enhance financial inclusion and make digital financial services more accessible.
Vult’s Chief Operating Officer, Pierre Johnson, provided updates on the platform’s progress and achievements. He noted that within just six months of operation, the app has been downloaded by 200,000 users, with 13,000 active accounts and 2,500 cards issued.
Johnson also mentioned the establishment of over 30 merchant locations in Freetown, Bo, and Makeni, reflecting the platform’s growing reach. Additionally, he disclosed a partnership with Mastercard and Money-Me to facilitate seamless transfers to mobile money accounts.
Dr. Walton Gilpin, Managing Director and CEO of Rokel Commercial Bank, highlighted the transformative impact of the partnership in advancing digital banking and financial inclusion.
“We have been working on this initiative for some time, and our partnership with Vult has significantly widened our reach and improved financial accessibility,” he said. Dr. Gilpin added that digital banking has enhanced transaction speed and efficiency, while also supporting macroeconomic growth.
He noted that the platform allows users to access quality materials and services digitally, contributing to greater convenience. “This partnership expands product possibilities, and our goal is to position Sierra Leone as a hub for excellent digital banking services,” Dr. Gilpin emphasized.
David Pakima, Founder and CEO of Vult, expressed gratitude to Rokel Commercial Bank’s management, particularly Dr. Gilpin, for supporting the initiative from its inception.
Pakima explained that Vult originated from the success of their metro cable project, which made Freetown one of the most connected cities in Africa. “We realized that many users lacked access to premium versions of various platforms, and this inspired us to develop Vult to empower communities and enhance their digital experiences,” he said.
He described Rokel as the ideal partner, noting that their shared vision has driven the initiative forward. “Rokel brings the right appetite, and Vult contributes the intensity to make this partnership successful,” Pakima remarked.
He revealed that Vult has been the most downloaded app in the region on Google Play for the past three months and announced plans to expand into three new markets next year. “This partnership will enable thousands of unbanked Vult users to open accounts with Rokel Commercial Bank,” he added.
Pakima concluded by thanking the teams at Rokel and Vult for their collective efforts in ensuring the initiative’s success. “Together, we are providing seamless access to digital financial inclusion,” he said.
The Chief Commercial Officer, Haffie Haffner and CEO of Orange Money David Mansaray, embarked on a four-day commercial tour covering Bo, Makeni, Kenema, Kabala, Kambia and Kono.
The aim of the tour was to strengthen stakeholder and customer relations through an open dialogue and to provide an opportunity to engage local stakeholders on Orange’s network modernization project.
The engagement commenced in Kono District, Eastern Region, with a courtesy visit to PC Tamba Amadu, the Town Chief of Koeyo Section.
Chief Amadu expressed gratitude for the visit and stated that the visit marks a significant moment on the journey towards Network development for his community.
The Chief commercial Officer, Haffie Haffner, stated that “Orange is committed to listen and address the needs of its customers and will ensure network availability for the People of Kono”.
In Makeni and Kabala Northern Region, Makeni’s Section Chief of Talent Town, Chief John Turay, welcomed the Orange delegation while urging the company to enhance communication on network-related issues. He acknowledged recent improvements in the network despite months of challenges and expressed hope for sustained progress.
In Kambia District, the Orange delegation met with Paramount Chief Bai Farama Tass N’gbak (IV), the town chief, and the District Council Chairman. The CEO of Orange Money, David S Mansaray stated the primary goal of the engagements was to get firsthand insights on Orange network performance and to understand how Orange can better serve the people of Kambia.
This tour represents Orange’s dedication towards strengthening stakeholder relations to address concerns of our customers and an opportunity for the company to connect with local communities.
The company has invested significantly in its network infrastructure to ensure network reliability while boosting mobile and data penetration across the Country.
Orange reassures its customers of its unwavering commitment to deliver quality network services that meet the needs of its customers.
Westwind Energy, the manufacturer of Wonder StovesTM, has been awarded the Energy Efficiency Project, Clean Cooking Building and Industry of the Year at the 9th ECOWAS Sustainable Energy Forum (ESEF) organised by the Ecowas Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE).
This award is a celebration of the transformative impact of their Institutional Stove, part of the Wonder StovesTM product line, which achieves 41.7% thermal efficiency, is rated Tier 4, reduces wood consumption by 60% and smoke emissions by 90%.
Adopted by over 60 schools in Sierra Leone and Guinea, the stove has improved cooking conditions for more than 35,000 beneficiaries, delivering significant health, environmental, and cost-saving benefits.
“We are honoured to receive this award,” said Hannah Max-Macarthy, Managing Director of Westwind Energy. “It represents the commitment and hard work of our team and the support of our partners, including ECREEE, GIZ, EnDev, World Food Programme, Burn Design Lab, Plan International, and the Government of Sierra Leone. We remain committed to delivering solutions that improve health, promote sustainability, and support national development.’’
The ECOWAS Sustainable Energy Forum celebrates organisations that push the boundaries of innovation to solve regional energy challenges, says Mr Hyacinth Elayo, an ECREEE official. He added: “Westwind Energy’s Institutional Stove sets an example for the transformative power of energy-efficient technologies. Its contributions to health, environmental conservation, and economic empowerment are exemplary for the region.”
With over 33 years of experience, Westwind Energy, through its Wonder StovesTM brand, offers biomass and LPG stoves for households, commercial, and institutional use, designed to reduce emissions and fuel consumption.
The company is also developing new models powered by renewable fuels to expand clean cooking solutions across West Africa.
The Bank of Sierra Leone has approved the Rokel Commercial Bank Statements of Account – revealing a staggering NLE191, 627, 038 (One Hundred and Ninety-One Million, Six Hundred and Twenty Thousand and Thirty-Eight Cents) for the 2023 Financial Year.
Profit after tax is Nle142,802,319, eclipsing the NLe69,48,024 the previous year.
This significant achievement represents a 104% increase from the NLe94 Million recorded in 2022. Consequently, customer deposits rose to NLe2.9Billion indicating a 25% increase from NLe 2.35Billion recorded in 2022.
The growth in deposits has triggered a significant growth in the bank’s balance sheet from NLe3.2Billion in 2022 to NLe3.8Billion in 2023 representing a 18.75% increase respectively. Total earnings per share also grew from NLe0.76 per share (2022) to NLe1.56 per share (2023).
In September this year, the RCBank Celebrated its 25th Anniversary after a smooth transition from Barclays Bank Plc in 1999 which had operated the bank for nearly a century.
The celebrations were marked by several indoor and outdoor activities including Christian and Muslim thanksgiving services and a special event to recognizing staff who have had 15 to 35 years of unbroken record of service.
In each of these events, the Managing Director, Dr Walton Ekundayo Gilpin re-echoed a renewed sense of hope and commitment in expanding and making Rokel Commercial Bank a dominant force in the subregional finance industry.
Rokel Commercial Bank, in partnership with Fanta’s Kitchen Catering Services and Afrigas, successfully staged the biggest ever cooking competition facilitated by an indigenous bank on October 12th, 2024, at the Family Kingdom Complex, Aberdeen, Freetown.
The bank, known for its trailblazing initiatives and implementation of innovative strategies, continues to set the pace in aligning with regulatory standards to meet the requirements of Sierra Leone.
The event was hosted by Fanta’s Kitchen, one of the leading catering service organizations in Sierra Leone, which has proudly represented the country in both local and international cooking competitions.
Fanta Fofanah, the CEO of Fanta’s Kitchen, is a renowned entrepreneur in the catering industry, working closely with institutions across Sierra Leone, with aspirations of gaining wider recognition in Africa and globally.
Rokel Commercial Bank Sierra Leone Ltd. has long been partnering with various organizations to fulfill its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments. The theme for this competition, “Impacting Young Entrepreneurs,” aligns with the overarching theme of the bank’s 25th anniversary, “Taking Banking to the Grassroots.” This recent initiative builds on other partnerships and collaborations, including:
Equity and I&M Banks in Rwanda (July 2024) for cross-border transactions,
EST Applied Intelligence (February 2024) for cybersecurity and financial inclusion,
National Scrabble Association Sierra Leone (August 2023) for promoting scrabble in schools,
Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) (January 2022) for a Banking & Finance seminar,
Afrimoney (November 2022) for quality service provision,
Orange Sierra Leone (March 2021) to facilitate mobile money and banking transactions, and
Keeping Hope Alive (2019) to address climate sustainability and tree maintenance.
The cooking competition, organized in collaboration with Fanta’s Kitchen and Afrigas, featured a panel of esteemed judges, including Naasu Fofanah (CEO of Susue Pemehun), Vivian Samuel Coker (CEO of Sam’s Brother’s Investment), and Mrs. Hawa Alpha of Prosgil Delicious.
Contestants hailed from various vocational institutes, including the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), Useful Hands Vocational Institute, Women’s Vocational Center (Ormamy), Winning Center, and Murialdo. Other catering institutions, such as REAPS and CEFORD Vocational Center, were also present to witness the competition.
Useful Hands Vocational Institute from Wellington emerged as the winner, receiving a cash prize of Le10,000. The second position was clinched by Winning Center Vocational Institute from Murray Town, which received Le7,500, while the third-place winner received Le5,000. The contestants who finished in fourth and fifth place were awarded consolation prizes.
At the conclusion of the event, the Managing Director & CEO of Rokel Commercial Bank, Dr. Ekundayo W. Gilpin, congratulated the participants and acknowledged the contributions of the bank’s staff, the judges, and representatives from partnering institutions. He praised the collaboration with Fanta’s Kitchen and Afrigas for their role in making the event a success.
Dr. Gilpin highlighted that the competition demonstrated RCBank’s commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs by providing them with a platform to showcase their skills. This initiative, he noted, is aimed at preparing them for both local and international business challenges, ensuring they remain competitive in an ever-evolving market.
Chief Minister Dr. David Sengeh on Monday lauded the newly refurbished Government Printing Department, hailing it as a prime example of a successful Public Private Partnership (PPP).
The surprise visit was made alongside the Ministers of Information and Civic Education.
Taking to his X page (formerly Twitter), Dr. Sengeh highlighted the positive outcomes of the refurbishment, stating, “This is an excellent example of what a good Public Private Partnership can look like.” He further explained that the project followed a build, operate, and transfer model, which initially involved private sector participation but is now fully managed by the Government of Sierra Leone.
The renovation of the Government Printing Department is expected to enhance the quality and efficiency of official publications and document production in the country. The printing press, which had been in dire need of modernization, now boasts state-of-the-art equipment and is geared toward improving service delivery for public sector needs.
The visit underlines the government’s commitment to revitalizing critical infrastructure through innovative partnerships and investment in key sectors. The Chief Minister’s praise for the project reflects broader government efforts to strengthen the country’s administrative capacities while fostering economic collaboration with the private sector.
The refurbishment is expected to streamline operations at the printing press, which plays a vital role in producing government documents, official notices, and educational materials. By adopting the build, operate, and transfer model, the government successfully leveraged private sector expertise in the initial phases, ensuring the sustainability of the project.
This development is seen as a significant step toward achieving efficiency in public service delivery, with the facility now fully under government control.
Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) Sierra Leone celebrated Customer Service Week from October 14th to 18th with a variety of activities designed to honor and appreciate its valued customers.
The week-long event showcased the bank’s commitment to providing exceptional service and building strong relationships within the community.
The celebration kicked off with a Career Day, where staff members dressed in attire representing various professions symbolizing the deep connection between the bank and its diverse clientele. On Tuesday, staff members wore the national Green White and Blue colors of Sierra Leone to express their patriotism and solidarity with the country.
The Product Showcase Day featured staff members dressed in T-shirts showcasing the bank’s innovative products and services, including 9737, GTWorld, Salary Loan, Mastercard, Smart Kids Save (SKS), and more. This event allowed customers to learn about the various banking solutions offered by GTBank and how they can benefit from them.
Thursday brought back the nostalgia of the 80s with staff members sporting iconic fashion trends of the era. This fun-filled event provided a lighthearted atmosphere and a chance for customers to reminisce about the past.
The week culminated with a Traditional Day, where staff members dressed in traditional attire to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Sierra Leone. This event highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting the country’s cultural diversity.
As a grand finale, GTBank held a Dip and Win draw where 30 customers won exciting prizes, including mugs and keyholders. This gesture was a token of appreciation for the bank’s customers and a way to show that their loyalty and support are valued.
Ade Adebiyi, the Managing Director of GTBank Sierra Leone, expressed his gratitude to the bank’s customers for their continued trust and support. “We take customer satisfaction as our No. 1 priority,” he said. “We continue to develop products and services that make banking convenient and enjoyable for our customers.”
The 2024 celebration of Customer Service Week demonstrates GTBank’s dedication to providing exceptional service and building lasting relationships with its customers.
Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) Sierra Leone has presented prizes to 32 lucky winners in its ‘Kip for D Bambai’ reloaded promotion. The winners were selected through a raffle draw for August and September, and they received gift prizes including bags of rice and cooking oil.
The presentation ceremony On Friday, October 17 was attended by bank executives, staff members, and the winners. The prizes were distributed to winners residing in both Freetown and various provincial areas of the country.
One of the winners, Joseph Fofanah, expressed his gratitude and initial skepticism when he received the call from GTBank informing him of his win. He initially believed it was a fraudulent attempt but later confirmed the authenticity of the call with a bank staff member. Fofanah encouraged other customers to continue banking with GTBank to benefit from its many offerings.
Another winner, Memunatu Dumbuya, shared a similar experience of disbelief when she received the winning call. She initially ignored the call but later followed up and confirmed her win. Dumbuya expressed her excitement and gratitude for the opportunity.
Victor Cleveland, Head of Retail Banking, explained that the ‘Kip for D Bambai’ raffle is designed to reward customers who make a minimum deposit of NLE 250. He encouraged customers with dormant accounts to activate them and non-customers to open new accounts to participate in future draws.
Cleveland also highlighted the rationale behind providing cooking condiments instead of cash prizes. He explained that the aim was to alleviate the burden of rising prices in the market and provide essential items for customers.
The ‘Kip for D Bambai’ Reloaded promotion is a six-month Deposit and Win campaign running until December 2024. A grand draw in January 2025 will award four motorbikes to lucky customers.
