By Staff Reporter
As part of its 25th anniversary celebrations, Rokel Commercial Bank (RCBank) has taken significant strides to expand its Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) development programme to empower market women, Okada riders, and Keke drivers in Freetown. This initiative, launched in 2021, has already transformed the landscape of small-scale businesses across Sierra Leone by providing them with the financial tools needed to thrive.
On the ground at Salad Ground Market, one of Freetown’s busiest hubs, Managing Director Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, along with senior bank staff, engaged with local traders to explore potential business partnerships. The visit underscored RCBank’s enduring commitment to fostering entrepreneurship among Sierra Leone’s informal economy. “We believe in the power of small businesses to drive economic growth and uplift communities,” said Dr. Gilpin, highlighting the bank’s vision for a financially inclusive society.
Further expanding its reach, the RCBank team visited the motorbike and Keke (tricycle) park at the vibrant Dwarzak intersection to promote the bank’s digital financial solutions. By introducing QR Codes and the Rokel Simkorpor mobile payment platform, RCBank aims to modernize payment systems for small service providers such as Keke drivers, Okada riders, and food vendors. These digital tools enable seamless transactions, helping small businesses enhance their operational efficiency. A successful pilot phase involving several Keke drivers showcased the ease and effectiveness of these solutions.
The expansion is seen as a key part of RCBank’s efforts to support and modernize the informal sector, which plays a vital role in Sierra Leone’s economy. Dr. Gilpin reiterated that the initiative aligns with the bank’s broader mission to position small businesses as integral contributors to national development.
About Rokel Commercial Bank (RCBank)
Founded in 1999, Rokel Commercial Bank has grown to become one of Sierra Leone’s premier financial institutions, known for its focus on innovation and social impact. The bank has played a pivotal role in driving financial inclusion and providing accessible banking services to underserved communities. With a strong focus on SMEs, RCBank has positioned itself as a key partner for businesses looking to grow and scale in the local market.
Under the leadership of Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, the bank has embraced digital transformation, offering cutting-edge banking solutions that cater to the evolving needs of its customers. From mobile banking to SME financing, RCBank is dedicated to supporting Sierra Leone’s economic growth by empowering individuals and businesses to achieve their financial goals.
Celebrating 25 years of excellence, RCBank continues to be a cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s banking sector, providing innovative products and services that bridge the gap between traditional and modern banking. Through initiatives like the expanded SME development programme, the bank reaffirms its role as a catalyst for economic growth and community empowerment.
