By Hassan Osman Kargbo
In a move that marks a significant departure from tradition, Ibrahim L. Stevens, Ph.D., Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, has taken an extraordinary step to redefine the way the country’s central bank operates. Starting Tuesday, April 1st, 2025, the Governor is running the Bank’s operations from Kenema, marking the first time a sitting Bank Governor has worked remotely outside of Freetown, the capital.
This four-day pilot project, which concludes on Friday, April 4th, represents a bold and strategic experiment aimed at testing the capabilities of Sierra Leone’s central banking system to function smoothly beyond Freetown. It is part of a broader initiative to integrate the country’s regional centres more effectively into the national economic framework.
Governor Stevens explained the rationale behind the historic decision. “The purpose is to ensure the Bank of Sierra Leone can function from any location within the country. By testing our systems and operations remotely, we aim to strengthen our business continuity plans and provide a modern, flexible approach to banking operations,” he said.
The Kenema initiative underscores the Bank’s commitment to decentralization, with an emphasis on utilizing technological innovation to enhance inclusivity and ensure financial systems remain resilient in the face of evolving global challenges. The move also highlights the growing trend of digital banking, cyber-security resilience, and the rise of remote work across sectors worldwide.
Governor Stevens’ decision to operate remotely also reflects a significant shift in the role of central banks globally. In a world where the physical location of operations is becoming less critical, this remote work pilot illustrates how technology can be leveraged to drive operational efficiency and adaptability, even in countries with evolving digital infrastructures.
For Kenema, a bustling city in the Eastern Province, the presence of the Bank’s Governor has been a significant occasion. The city has long been an underserved region in terms of financial services; but the Bank’s effort to work from this location could signal a shift toward more inclusive financial practices. Many local residents view this as an empowering move, which could serve to increase access to banking services in the East of the country.
The experiment aligns with the Bank’s ongoing drive to make banking more inclusive and accessible. By working remotely from Kenema, the Bank is not only demonstrating the effectiveness of its digital tools but also sending a powerful message about regional economic empowerment. Through this pilot, Sierra Leone’s central bank could be setting a new precedent for how financial institutions can innovate while ensuring equal access for all citizens, regardless of their location.
While it remains to be seen whether this approach will become a permanent feature, the initial results of the remote work experiment could lay the foundation for a more decentralized and inclusive financial future in Sierra Leone.
