By Sulaiman Aruna Sesay
In an effort to improve business opportunities and strengthen diaspora connections in Sierra Leone, Ecobank Sierra Leone has partnered with the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO) Sierra Leone chapter. The joint effort aims to build stronger connections and proffer solutions that will help entrepreneurs and businesses in Sierra Leone and add value in various areas.
The Town Hall Meeting held at Freetown City Council Hall on Saturday 29 June 2024. Mr. Winston Williams, the Executive Director / Country Head Corporate Banking at Ecobank Sierra Leone, welcomed the Nigerian Chapter in the meeting. He said, Ecobank is a bank which exists to promote financial freedom across West Africa. He added that Ecobank operates in three West Africa countries including Sierra Leone and Nigeria.
In his statement , He noted that the intent of the bank is to impact lives positively in every community or environment in which the bank operate. He admitted that the Bank recognize the importance of the Nigeria Business Community and also want to develop the relationship to help them understand what matters to the Nigerians; the challenges, what keep them away, and address the issues with the available products. He thanked the Nigerians for their tremendous contributions towards the economic development in Sierra Leone.
During his presentation Mr. Kingsley representing the Consumer Bank, expressed thanks and appreciation to the Nigerian Community. He categorically explained about Individual Banking and what a person need to bank with Ecobank, and some solutions Ecobank can provide to an individual. He highlighted the different bank accounts individual can open with Ecobank. These accounts include, Current Account which opens doors to a whole new world of banking opportunities like Salary; Personal Use, and unregistered business. Savings Account aimed at encouraging customers’ savings. Ecobank savings accounts opened with a minimum balance of NLe50 and maximum interest on savings account currently at 6% per annum. Other Accounts Open and manage for individual customers in United States Dollars, Euros, and Pounds Sterling.
In his submission, Mr. Unisa Shyllon, Risk Manager at Ecobank Sierra Leone, said they have Payment and Collection Solutions rolled out by Ecobank. According to him, it depends on what type of business you are doing and they can recommend the type of system to use. He noted that they have varieties of channels and one of them is the Ecobank pay. He added that this Ecobank pay has a QR code they have developed that has identifier code which someone will use to make payment into your business. He admitted that for you to able to use the QR code, you should have Ecobank mobile App. “It takes the burden of you counting cash,” he said.
The benefits of banking with Ecobank cut across different areas. Ecobank provide access to multiple payment channels; access to finance, has stable and reliable payment platforms, the bank also personalized banking services, has an improved turnaround time on transaction processing, and also offer free personal and business advisory banking services.
