Rokel Commercial Bank Honoured at 4th AASU–Weldios University Symposium in Morocco
By Aaron Parker
Rokel Commercial Bank (RCB) has been recognized with a prestigious award at the 4th AASU–Weldios University Symposium in Rabat, Morocco, in acknowledgment of the Bank’s remarkable contributions to Africa’s drive for self-reliance, leadership, innovation, and employment creation.
The symposium, jointly organized by Weldios University, EPIK Leaders, and the All Africa Students Union (AASU), took place from 20th to 24th November 2025 under the theme: “Cultivating Prosperity: Advancing Agriculture and Intra-Africa Trade for Sustainable Development.” The event brought together policymakers, academics, business leaders, and student representatives from across the continent.
The President of the All Africa Students Union and representatives from Weldios University commended Rokel Commercial Bank for its leadership in digital innovation and its emergence as one of Africa’s foremost financial institutions driving technological transformation in the banking sector.
Although RCB’s Managing Director and CEO, Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, could not attend the ceremony due to official engagements abroad, his address was delivered by the Bank’s Head of Public Relations, Aruna Dumbuya.
In his speech, Dr. Gilpin expressed gratitude to Weldios University, AASU, the Government of Morocco, and other dignitaries for acknowledging his contributions to human capital development.
“This recognition provides me with even greater opportunities to enhance my work, elevate outcomes, and deepen my impact on national and international development,” he stated.
He praised Weldios University for its bilingual academic model and its emphasis on economic innovation, social transformation, and cultural advancement, describing the institution as “an incubation hub for innovative ideas that drive systematic development across societies.”
Addressing the symposium’s central theme, Dr. Gilpin stressed that agriculture and intra-African trade are vital for the continent’s long-term prosperity. Highlighting Africa’s paradox—possessing over 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land while heavily reliant on food imports—he called for a strategic shift from subsistence farming to wealth-generating agricultural ventures.
Dr. Gilpin outlined key pillars for transforming African agriculture:
• Modernization and Technology: Adoption of improved seeds, irrigation systems, climate-smart farming, and digital tools such as artificial intelligence.
• Infrastructure Investment: Expansion of road networks, energy systems, and storage facilities to minimize post-harvest losses.
• Value Addition: Local processing of raw materials to boost revenue, create industries, and generate employment.
He also highlighted the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to remove trade barriers, harmonize regulations, and create a vibrant continental market. Additionally, Dr. Gilpin referenced innovative platforms like the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), in which Rokel Commercial Bank actively participates through its Simkorpor Plus App, facilitating seamless cross-border transactions.
Concluding his address, Dr. Gilpin urged African nations to pursue collaborative approaches to building self-reliant economies.
“Cultivating prosperity in Africa is not a distant dream; it is within our reach,” he affirmed. “The road ahead demands bold action, sustained commitment, and, above all, collaboration.”
He also extended congratulations to graduating students, award recipients, and the leadership of Weldios University and AASU for organizing a successful symposium. He closed with an inspiring message on the transformative power of digital innovation in agriculture.
The ceremony featured several distinguished personalities, including:
• Ziad El Idriss – President, EPIK Leaders INESSA
• Mahmoud Cherkaoui – President, L’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
• Ugo Magnus Kel (PhD) – Registrar & Chairman, Board Committee, Weldios University
• Osisiogu Osikenyi – President
• Engr. Dr. Darlington Ugota – Chairman, Esthington Group
This recognition marks another significant milestone for Rokel Commercial Bank as it continues to strengthen its leadership in digital banking, financial innovation, and human capital development across Africa.
