The West African Bankers’ Association (WABA) convened its 78th Executive Council Meeting and 42nd General Assembly in Freetown, Sierra Leone, hosted by the Sierra Leone Association of Commercial Banks (SLACB) from August 8-9, 2024. Held at the Freetown International Conference Hall, the event featured discussions on IFRS 9 for Directors, Cross-Border Settlement Systems, and Debt Management and Recovery.
Key speakers included Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance; Dr. Ibrahim Stevens, Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone; Dr. Guy Laurent Fondjo, WABA President; and Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, SLACB President. The agenda covered WABA’s financials, annual reports, and Secretariat operations.
Governor Ibrahim Stevens addressed economic instability and technological disruptions, stressing the need for pooled resources and skills development. He welcomed Guinea as WABA’s only French West African member, highlighting the importance of unity and diversity.
WABA President Dr. Guy Laurent thanked the hosts and attendees, emphasizing the assembly’s theme of addressing key challenges and opportunities. Newly elected Vice President Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin praised the collaborative effort behind the event, underscoring the importance of ESG principles, sustainability, and digital transformation in banking.
Established in 1975, WABA supports ECOWAS’s economic and monetary goals and aims to be Africa’s leading regional banking association by 2030, focusing on governance, professional development, and regional integration.
