R C Bank Receives Prestigious Continental Honour at AASU–Weldios University Symposium in Morocco

Rabat, Morocco – Rokel Commercial Bank (RCB) has added another remarkable milestone to its growing list of international achievements after receiving a prestigious continental honour at the 4th AASU–Weldios University Symposium. The recognition celebrates the Bank’s exceptional contribution to Africa’s journey toward self-reliance, leadership, digital innovation, and employment creation.

Held from 20th to 24th November 2025, the symposium brought together some of the continent’s most influential policymakers, business leaders, academics, and student representatives. Jointly organised by Weldios University, EPIK Leaders, and the All Africa Students Union (AASU), this year’s event centred on the theme:
“Cultivating Prosperity: Advancing Agriculture and Intra-Africa Trade for Sustainable Development.”

The gathering served as a platform for robust dialogue on Africa’s economic future, with special focus on innovative solutions designed to boost agriculture, strengthen intra-African trade, modernize financial systems, and empower young leaders.

AASU and Weldios University Salute RCB’s Rise as a Continental Leader

In presenting the award, both Weldios University and the leadership of AASU applauded Rokel Commercial Bank for its visionary leadership in the banking sector. They described RCB as one of Africa’s fastest-rising financial institutions, particularly in the areas of digital transformation, financial inclusion, and institutional leadership.

RCB’s groundbreaking digital products—including the widely acclaimed Simkorpor Plus App, mobile banking solutions, and pioneering fintech partnerships—were highlighted as major contributors to strengthening financial systems and expanding economic participation across Sierra Leone and beyond.

The honour also recognises the Bank’s growing regional contributions, especially its integration into continental platforms such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), positioning RCB as one of the early movers in advancing Africa’s digital financial ecosystem.

Dr. Walton E. Gilpin’s Message: A Vision Rooted in Development and Innovation

Although unable to attend the event due to official engagements abroad, RCB’s Managing Director and CEO, Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, delivered his keynote remarks through the Bank’s Head of Public Relations, Aruna Dumbuya, who formally represented him.

In his address, Dr. Gilpin expressed profound gratitude to Weldios University, AASU, the Government of Morocco, and the international community for recognizing his leadership and the Bank’s contribution to Africa’s development agenda.

“This recognition accords me further opportunities to continue my work, improve on my output, and deepen my contribution to national and international development,” he said.

He also commended Weldios University’s bilingual curriculum and its commitment to producing globally competitive graduates capable of contributing to economic innovation, social transformation, and cultural advancement.

Describing the University as “an incubation center for innovative ideas that drive systematic development across societies,” Dr. Gilpin expressed optimism about the continent’s next generation of innovators and policymakers.

Agriculture and Trade: The Cornerstones of Africa’s Economic Future

Expanding on the symposium’s theme, Dr. Gilpin delivered a compelling analysis of Africa’s agricultural potential and the strategic importance of boosting intra-African trade.

He noted that despite possessing over 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, Africa still spends billions annually on food imports. He described this as a paradox that must be urgently reversed through modernization, value addition, and private-sector-driven agricultural investment.

Dr. Gilpin identified several strategic pillars for transforming Africa’s agricultural landscape:

1. Modernization and Technology Adoption

He emphasized the need for digital innovation—AI-driven solutions, climate-smart agriculture, irrigation systems, and improved seed varieties—to boost productivity.

2. Infrastructure Expansion

He highlighted the importance of improving transport systems, storage facilities, energy networks, and rural markets to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure competitive pricing.

3. Value Addition and Local Manufacturing

According to Dr. Gilpin, processing raw agricultural products within Africa will boost export revenue, enhance industrial growth, and reduce dependency on foreign supply chains.

4. Leveraging Continental Trade Platforms

Dr. Gilpin reaffirmed the transformative role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in creating a unified market of over 1.3 billion people.
He stressed that platforms like PAPSS—already embraced by Rokel Commercial Bank—are critical for seamless cross-border payments, promoting business confidence, and accelerating trade across African regions.

“Cultivating prosperity in Africa is not a distant dream; it is an achievable goal within our grasp,” he emphasized.
“The road ahead requires bold action, sustained commitment, and above all, collaboration.”

Celebrating Academic Excellence and Youth Leadership

The 4th AASU–Weldios Symposium also served as an opportunity to celebrate academic excellence, innovation, and youth leadership. Dr. Gilpin extended congratulations to all graduating students, awardees, and participants, encouraging them to embrace innovation, discipline, and service in shaping Africa’s future.

He closed with a reaffirmation of RCB’s commitment to supporting youth-led development, digital transformation, and regional economic integration.

Dignitaries and Thought Leaders Grace the Ceremony

The event was attended by a distinguished lineup of influential personalities, including:

• Ziad El Idriss – President, EPIK Leaders INESSA
• Mahmoud Cherkaoui – President, I’association
• Mohamed Japuad El Qasmi – Director
• Illiass Boualamia – Chief of Internal Relations, EPIK Leaders
• Khouloud Mabrouk – Media Advisor
• Boucher Bayed – Consultant
• Ahmed Senhaji – Chief of Alumni Relations
• Nizar Chaari – Founder
• Trésor Botembe – Vice President, Partnership
• Dr. Ugo Magnus Kel – Registrar & Chairman, Board Committee, Weldios University
• Osisiogu Osikenyi – President
• Engr. Dr. Darlington Ugota – Chairman, Esthington Group

The presence of these leaders underscored the symposium’s significance as a continental forum for strategic development dialogue and collaboration.

RCB’s Growing Reputation as a Continental Innovator

The award further solidifies Rokel Commercial Bank’s reputation as not just a national financial institution, but a continental player with a growing footprint in Africa’s emerging digital economy. Over the past few years, RCB has recorded notable advancements in:

• Digital transformation
• Financial inclusion
• Human capital development
• Youth empowerment
• Regional integration partnerships

As the Bank continues to expand its influence, the latest recognition positions it as a model for innovation and leadership within Africa’s rapidly evolving financial landscape.