Dr. Walton E. Gilpin, the Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank (SL) Limited, has been appointed as Vice President 1 of the West African Bankers’ Association (WABA) at the esteemed 79th WABA Executive Council & 43rd General Assembly in Monrovia, Liberia, on April 28-29, 2026.
WABA serves as a pivotal organization for all banks within the ECOWAS sub-region, founded on August 10, 1981, in Accra, Ghana. Its creation was a response to the urgent need for collaboration among banks to facilitate intra-regional trade and payments, reinforced by recommendations from Central Bank Governors and the endorsement of regional Heads of State.
In his compelling address, Dr. Gilpin emphasized the critical need for WABA to become an indispensable asset for Bank CEOs in West Africa who may have reservations about their investment in membership dues.
He underscored the association’s potential to enhance Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols, fostering collaboration with European and American bank partners. Furthermore, he stressed WABA’s essential role in overseeing digital transactions, aiming to minimize risks related to anti-money laundering and fraudulent activities.
Dr. Gilpin proposed that WABA evolve into a comprehensive resource center and research hub for Bank CEOs to assess their Return on Investment (ROI) effectively. He urged WABA to take the lead in promoting the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) and innovative digital payment platforms, thereby ensuring its ongoing relevance and utility for its members.
The outgoing President, Dr. Guy Laurent Fondjo, along with the President designate, Dr. Dele Alabi, echoed similar sentiments, advocating for a thorough review of WABA’s strategic roadmap and enhancing coordination across charters. They further called for partnerships with institutions like Afreximbank and the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) to elevate WABA’s stature.
Secretary General Alhajie Jeng acknowledged Dr. Gilpin’s invaluable strategic guidance, leading to his unanimous election as Vice President 1, alongside Ms. Isatu Jawara of Gambia as Vice President II and Dr. Dele Alabi of Nigeria as WABA’s President designate.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Gilpin expressed heartfelt gratitude to the members for their confidence in him and reiterated the importance of engagement with Bank CEOs. He proposed the establishment of a WhatsApp group for effective communication and collaboration among Bank CEOs and encouraged Central Banks in West Africa to take active roles in supporting WABA’s mission. Together, they can drive meaningful change in the banking landscape of the region.
