Dr. Walton Gilpin Elected Vice President of West African Bankers’ Association
Dr. Walton E. Gilpin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Rokel Commercial Bank Sierra Leone Limited, has been elected Vice President I of the West African Bankers’ Association (WABA). His appointment was confirmed during the 79th Executive Council Meeting and 43rd General Assembly held in Monrovia from April 28–29, 2026.
WABA, established on August 10, 1981, in Accra, serves as a key platform for banking institutions across the ECOWAS sub-region. The association was formed to strengthen collaboration among banks, promote intra-regional trade, and improve payment systems, following recommendations from Central Bank Governors and the endorsement of regional Heads of State.
In his address, Dr. Gilpin stressed the need for WABA to deliver greater value to its members, particularly bank CEOs who seek tangible returns on their membership contributions. He highlighted opportunities for the association to strengthen Know Your Customer (KYC) systems and deepen partnerships with international banking institutions in Europe and the United States.
He further underscored WABA’s role in supporting secure digital transactions, with a focus on combating money laundering and financial fraud. Dr. Gilpin also proposed transforming the association into a research and resource hub where banking leaders can better assess return on investment and strategic outcomes.
Additionally, he called on WABA to champion the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) and other innovative digital payment platforms to ensure the association remains relevant in an evolving financial landscape.
Outgoing President Dr. Guy Laurent Fondjo and President-designate Dr. Dele Alabi echoed similar views, urging a review of WABA’s strategic direction and stronger coordination among member institutions. They also emphasized the importance of partnerships with regional financial bodies such as Afreximbank and the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID).
WABA Secretary General Alhajie Jeng commended Dr. Gilpin for his strategic insight, which contributed to his unanimous election. He will serve alongside Vice President II Ms. Isatu Jawara of The Gambia, while Dr. Dele Alabi assumes the role of President-designate.
In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Gilpin expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening engagement among bank CEOs. He proposed the creation of a dedicated communication platform to enhance collaboration and encouraged Central Banks across West Africa to play a more active role in advancing WABA’s mission.
His election is seen as a significant step toward strengthening Sierra Leone’s presence in regional banking leadership and fostering greater financial integration across West Africa.
