By Hassan Osman Kargbo
UBA- Sierra Leone, one of the country’s leading financial institutions, reaffirmed its commitment to driving innovation and sustainable development during its participation in the 2025 edition of Freetown Innovation Week (FIW2025). Held on Tuesday, July 1st, the event brought together entrepreneurs, tech leaders, investors, students, and development partners to explore the theme: “AI for Education, Agriculture, and Sustainability.”
Representing UBA- Sierra Leone at the event, Samuel Soka delivered a compelling opening address, highlighting the bank’s role in strengthening the nation’s innovation ecosystem. He emphasized that UBA is not only keeping pace with global trends but is actively contributing to setting the innovation agenda in Sierra Leone.
“We remain committed to powering Sierra Leone’s innovation ecosystem through strategic partnerships and sustainable finance,” Soka said, addressing a diverse audience at the event’s opening session. 
“Our goal is to ensure that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence are harnessed to create inclusive and lasting impact across sectors.”
Why It Matters
UBA- Sierra Leone believes that AI holds transformative potential for critical sectors such as education, agriculture, and financial inclusion. 
By embracing AI-driven solutions, the bank sees opportunities to foster smarter learning environments, support more resilient and efficient farming practices, and drive broader access to financial services, especially for underserved communities.
“AI can unlock smarter learning, resilient farming, and deeper financial inclusion for every Sierra Leonean,” Soka stated, reinforcing the bank’s belief in the practical benefits of digital transformation.
As a major financial institution, UBA- Sierra Leone continues to take deliberate steps to integrate technology into its services, while also supporting tech-enabled ventures and youth-led innovations that align with national development goals.
The Bank’s Pledge
At FIW2025, UBA renewed its pledge to empower youth, accelerate digital advancement, and support climate-conscious ideas that push Sierra Leone forward. The bank’s engagement at the event served as both a reaffirmation of its vision and a call to action for other stakeholders to join in building a future-oriented and tech-driven economy.
“We are investing in the future through education, entrepreneurship, and environmentally responsible finance,” Soka noted. “Innovation must be inclusive, sustainable, and accessible to everyone.”
The bank’s presence at FIW2025 aligns with its broader mission to be a catalyst for socio-economic progress in Sierra Leone. 
Through collaborations with educational institutions, startups, and agribusinesses, UBA is laying the foundation for a more connected and empowered society.
Setting the Pace
UBA- Sierra Leone has positioned itself not just as a participant in the innovation space but as a leader helping to shape its direction. With digital banking platforms, support for fintech startups, and strategic involvement in tech-focused forums like Freetown Innovation Week, the bank continues to bridge the gap between finance and innovation.As the discussions from FIW2025 continue to echo across sectors, UBA’s active role serves as a model of how the financial sector can drive inclusive innovation and sustainable progress in Sierra Leone.
