The Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank (RCB), Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, has received continental recognition after being named African Banker of the Year 2026 at the prestigious The Voice Achievers Awards held in the United Kingdom.
Dr. Gilpin received the award on Friday, 21 August 2026, during a ceremony hosted at the London Hilton Kensington, where leading African professionals, entrepreneurs, institutions and public figures were celebrated for their outstanding contributions to development and transformation.
The recognition highlights Dr. Gilpin’s growing influence within Africa’s financial services industry and acknowledges his leadership in steering Rokel Commercial Bank through a period of institutional growth, innovation and modernization.
The Voice Achievers Awards honours individuals and organisations that have demonstrated exceptional leadership, professional excellence and meaningful contributions to Africa’s advancement. Over the years, the awards have recognised prominent African personalities, including former Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda, former International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, and former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma.
Dr. Gilpin’s latest achievement adds to Sierra Leone’s increasing presence on international platforms, particularly within the banking and financial services sector. His leadership at Rokel Commercial Bank has been associated with efforts to strengthen operational efficiency, expand digital banking solutions and improve access to financial services for individuals, businesses and institutions.
With several professional qualifications and distinctions, including FPMA, HCIB, MIA, PEPM and COOR, Dr. Gilpin has built a reputation as a financial sector leader focused on innovation, institutional development and customer-centred banking solutions.
Under his stewardship, Rokel Commercial Bank has continued to advance initiatives aimed at modernising banking services while responding to the changing needs of customers through technology-driven solutions and increased financial inclusion.
The African Banker of the Year award represents a significant milestone not only for Dr. Gilpin but also for Rokel Commercial Bank and Sierra Leone’s financial sector, as the recognition places the country’s banking leadership among professionals gaining international visibility.
The London awards ceremony brought together influential African leaders, business executives and professionals to celebrate achievements that are contributing to economic growth, leadership and positive change across the continent.
Dr. Gilpin’s honour further strengthens his profile as one of Sierra Leone’s leading figures in financial management and reinforces Rokel Commercial Bank’s position as an institution committed to innovation, growth and excellence.