Rokel Commercial Bank MD Takes the Helm as Chair of Sierra Leone’s African Leadership Council

The Board of the African Leadership Organisation (UK) has appointed Dr. Walton Gilpin, the Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank, as Chair of the African Leadership Council for the Sierra Leone Chapter. This prestigious appointment was announced during a ceremony at the Bank of Sierra Leone Complex on Sunday, November 22, 2024. The event was part of a series of celebrations marking the bank’s 25th anniversary, which included a Thanksgiving Service at Wesley Methodist Church, a vibrant march past, and an elegant dinner.

During the ceremony, Samuel Elaikwu, a senior representative from the African Leadership Organisation, officially presented Dr. Gilpin with the insignia of office, alongside a Certificate of Listing that recognizes him as one of the top 40 African Caribbean business leaders for 2024. This accolade highlights his significant contributions to the banking sector and his commitment to advancing economic opportunities for African nations.

The African Leadership Council is dedicated to influencing and promoting global opportunities for African countries, acting as a platform for dialogue and collaboration among business leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders. As the new Chair, Dr. Gilpin is poised to leverage these opportunities to elevate Sierra Leone’s profile on the international business stage, showcasing its potential as a hub for investment and innovation.

Dr. Gilpin brings a wealth of experience to this role. Previously, he was recognized by the Pan-African Leadership Magazine as one of the top 25 African banking leaders on the continent. His track record of excellence includes various accolades, most notably the prestigious U.S. Congressional Award from the State of Carolina in 2023, which underscores his impact beyond Sierra Leone.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Gilpin expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and framed his appointment as a victory for Sierra Leone. He urged his compatriots to move away from negative narratives about the country, emphasizing that such perceptions could hinder its progress and international reputation. “This is a testament to President Julius Maada Bio’s visionary leadership and the confidence he has placed in me to continue steering Rokel Commercial Bank in the right direction,” he stated, highlighting the importance of unity and positive representation in fostering a brighter future.

Furthermore, Dr. Gilpin assured the Bank of Sierra Leone of Rokel Commercial Bank’s preparedness to support the national switch instant payment system. This initiative, launched by the Central Bank, aims to create a unified payment platform that enhances efficiency and accessibility for all financial institutions in the country. Dr. Gilpin’s commitment to this system reflects his vision for modernizing Sierra Leone’s banking infrastructure and promoting financial inclusivity.

As Dr. Gilpin embarks on this new journey, there is a sense of optimism about the potential impact of the African Leadership Council under his leadership. With a focus on collaboration, innovation, and empowerment, he aims to foster a robust business environment that can attract investments and create sustainable economic growth for Sierra Leone and its people.