RCBank MD and two others receive meritorious awards in Ethopia

The Republic of Sierra Leone, during the African Development Conference held on Friday 15th August 2025 at the prestigious Capital Hotel in Addis Ababa in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, dominated and outshined the rest of other countries in the continent that participated in the Conference. It was the only country that offered more participants in the high-level panel discussions, and the only country with more citizens to receive awards from the Continental organization. Four individual citizens received awards in various fields of merits.

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Dr Kadie Grace-Kamara, the Chief Executive Officer of Rokel Commercial Bank, Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin and Mr. Joseph Ben-Kaifala Esq, Chief Executive Officer of the Sengbe Pieh Academy, were the three Sierra Leonean nationals who participated in high-level panel discussions with various themes, and they all excelled and received huge standing ovation.

Deputy Minister, Dr. Grace-Kamara, excelled in the high-level panel discussions with the theme:  ‘Building  The Africa We Want, The Governance Perspective’, whilst Dr. Ekundayo Gilpin, CEO of Rokel Commercial Bank, participated in the discussion with the theme: ‘Building The  Africa We Want, Banking and FINTECH Perspective’, and the CEO of Sengeh Piah Academy, Mr. Joseph Ben-Kaifala Esq. participated in the discussion with the theme: ‘Partnering For Progress Building: The Africa We Want – Through The Private Sector Leadership.’

Sierra Leone was also the only country whose nationals dominated the award ceremony. The three citizens mentioned plus one other national, totaling four, received awards.

Dr. Kadie Grace-Kamara received an award for the most outstanding personality in Tourism and Culture across Africa, Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin received an award for Exceptional Services, Innovative Logistics, and Unwavering commitment to timely excellent delivery of banking solutions. Rokel Commercial Bank, under the Leadership of Dr. Ekundayo Gilpin, was also named the Commercial Bank of the Year. Mr. Joseph Ben- Kaifala Esq received the coveted award as the most outstanding personality in Girl Child Empowerment across Africa. The fourth Sierra Leone national, who was awarded, but in absentia, was the Technical Officer of Leone Rock Metal Group, Mr, Salim Sillah. He was awarded the most outstanding personality in Mineral Research and Exploration.

In the name of the President, His Excellency, Brig (Rtd) Dr. Julius Maada Bio and People of Sierra Leone, the  four were heartily  cheered and congratulated by the Ambassador and Permanent Representative in Addis Ababa, His Excellency Harold Bundu Saffa.  He, alongside a cross-section of the diplomatic staff at the Sierra Leone Mission, participated in the conference.

The broader theme of the conference was empowering Africa,  driving Inter-Trade Parnership opportunities. The aim of the conference was to identify organisations or individuals both in public or have contributed to Africa’s socio-economic development in pivotal ways. It was tailored to drive the rest of the African continentt into the ethical, trade, partnership, and investment opportunities the continent offers.

Demba Kanji Daramy,

Information Attache, Ethiopia.