Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Rokel Commercial Bank (RCB) has been awarded a prestigious honour at the 4th AASU–Weldios University Symposium held in Rabat, Morocco, in recognition of the Bank’s outstanding contribution to Africa’s drive for self-reliance, leadership, innovation, and employment creation.
The symposium, jointly organised by Weldios University, EPIK Leaders and the All Africa Students Union (AASU), ran from 20th to 24th November 2025 under the theme: “Cultivating Prosperity: Advancing Agriculture and Intra-Africa Trade for Sustainable Development.” The event attracted policymakers, academics, business executives, and student leaders from across the continent.
The All Africa Students Union President and Weldios University applauded Rokel Commercial Bank for its leadership in digital innovation and for emerging as one of Africa’s leading financial institutions driving 21st-century technological transformation in the banking sector.
Although Rokel Commercial Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, could not attend due to official duties outside the country, his address was delivered by the Bank’s Head of Public Relations, Aruna Dumbuya, who represented him at the ceremony.
In his speech, Dr. Gilpin expressed gratitude to Weldios University, AASU, the Government of Morocco, and other dignitaries for recognizing his contributions to human capital development.
“This recognition accords me further opportunities to continue my work, improve on my output, and deepen my contribution to national and international development,” he stated.
He commended Weldios University for its bilingual academic model and its focus on economic innovation, social transformation, and cultural advancement. Dr. Gilpin described the University as “an incubation center for innovative ideas that drive systematic development across societies.”
Addressing the symposium’s theme, Dr. Gilpin emphasized that agriculture and intra-African trade remain pivotal to the continent’s long-term prosperity.
He highlighted Africa’s paradox of owning over 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land while still relying heavily on food imports, stressing the urgent need to shift from subsistence farming to wealth-creating agricultural ventures.
Dr. Gilpin outlined key pillars for transforming African agriculture, including:
Modernization and Technology: Adoption of improved seeds, irrigation systems, climate-smart farming, and digital tools such as AI.
Infrastructure Investment: Expanding road networks, energy systems, and storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses.
Value Addition: Processing raw materials locally to boost revenue and industrial growth.
He further emphasized the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to eliminate trade barriers, harmonize rules, and create a robust continental market. Dr. Gilpin also referenced innovative platforms like the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), to which Rokel Commercial Bank is a full partner through its Simkorpor Plus App, designed to support seamless cross-border transactions.
Dr. Gilpin concluded by urging African countries to adopt collaborative approaches toward building self-reliant economies.
“Cultivating prosperity in Africa is not a distant dream; it is an achievable goal within our grasp,” he stressed.
“The road ahead requires bold action, sustained commitment, and above all collaboration.”
He congratulated graduating students, award recipients, and the leadership of Weldios University and AASU for hosting a successful symposium. He closed with a quote from global development leaders, reinforcing the transformative power of digital innovation in agriculture.
The ceremony brought together several high-profile personalities, including:
Ziad El Idriss – President, EPIK Leaders INESSA
Mahmoud Cherkaoui – President, I’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
The award marks yet another milestone for Rokel Commercial Bank as it continues to expand its leadership in digital banking, financial innovation, and human capital development across the continent.
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