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How MAPCO’s EU-Funded Project Transformed Rural Finances


The Movement for Assistance and Promotion of Rural Communities (MAPCO), supported by the European Union, on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, held a project closure and official handing over ceremony to mark the successful conclusion of its initiative aimed at strengthening Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) for better governance and development in Sierra Leone.

The event, which took place in Bumpeh, Pejeh and Mongray Kpaka highlighted the transfer of a Revolving Loan Fund and a community Seed Bank to local community-based organizations (CBOs) and the certification of apprenticeship trainees.

Emmanuel Kondeh Marcathy, MAPCO’s Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, addressed attendees, describing the day as a significant milestone for the organization.

During his remarks, Macarthy elaborated on the project’s achievements. The initiative began with a revolving loan of 10,000 Leones in the first year, which increased to 12,000 in the second year. He proudly noted that communities such as Bumbeh Pejeh have benefited significantly, now boasting over 76,000 from the loan scheme. “We urge the beneficiary communities to make the best use of these funds,” he appealed.

Chief Abdulai Swaray, Chairman of the Village Development Committee in Bumbeh, expressed deep gratitude to MAPCO for its transformative impact. “Since MAPCO’s intervention, our dependency situation has changed dramatically.

Lamin Ensah Kaikai, the Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Officer who represented the local council, welcomed all attendees. He recognized MAPCO as one of the few organizations making tangible contributions to the district. Kaikai emphasized the council’s commitment to combatting unregistered organizations operating in the district to promote positive change swiftly.

He urged community members to effectively utilize the grants and encouraged other organizations to follow MAPCO’s exemplary model in working towards poverty alleviation and self-sufficiency in local communities.

The ceremony culminated in the official handover of the Revolving Loan Fund to the community and the distribution of certificates to apprenticeship trainees, symbolizing the collective efforts of MAPCO, local leadership, and community members towards achieving sustainable development in Sierra Leone.



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How RCBank’s SME Scheme Transformed Alhaji’s Electronics and Phone Accessories Business


In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business environment, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a pivotal role in driving innovation and creating jobs. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by SMEs, our bank introduced the SME Scheme—a comprehensive financial support initiative designed to empower entrepreneurs and help them scale their businesses.

One remarkable success story that stands out is that of Alhaji Bangura, also known as Alhaji Hotcake, an electronics and phone accessories seller who has benefitted from the scheme five times. His journey underscores the transformative power of accessible financial support, especially in an industry where competition is fierce and technology trends are constantly shifting.

When Alhaji first approached our bank for funding, he was operating at a modest scale, facing difficulties in meeting the increasing demand for electronics and phone accessories.

Through the SME Scheme, he received vital funding that allowed him to expand his inventory, upgrade his store infrastructure, and invest in marketing efforts to reach a larger audience. As a result, his sales surged, and he quickly gained traction in a highly competitive market.

The flexibility of the SME Scheme has been pivotal to his ongoing growth. With each subsequent funding round, he has been able to diversify his product offerings, purchase cutting-edge tech accessories, and streamline his operations for greater efficiency.

By leveraging the financial resources provided by the scheme, his business has stayed ahead of emerging market trends and continued to meet customer demands with agility and precision.

Not only has Alhaji Hotcake scaled his operations, but he has also witnessed a marked improvement in cash flow management, enabling him to reinvest in his business. The support provided through the SME Scheme has fueled his business growth and created a ripple effect, strengthening the local economy.

Today, Alhaji Hotcake is no longer just a small local business—he is a thriving player in the electronics and phone accessories market, with a growing customer base and a solid foundation for future growth. His success is a testament to the power of the SME Scheme in transforming businesses, enabling entrepreneurs to reach their full potential and make a lasting impact on the industry.

As RCBank continues to support entrepreneurs like Alhaji, we remain committed to fostering a dynamic and thriving SME ecosystem by providing businesses with the financial tools they need to succeed. This story exemplifies the positive outcomes that can be achieved when small businesses have access to the right resources at the right time.

If you pass by P.Z Roundabout, please patronize Alhaji Hotcake for all your electronics and phone accessories—he’s got you covered.

And always remember that RCBank is The Bank of Choice!



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