In a significant milestone for Sierra Leone’s financial sector, Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, the Managing Director and CEO of Rokel Commercial Bank (RCB) , has been named the African Banker of the Year 2026 by The Voice Achievers Awards .
Dr. Gilpin is scheduled to receive the prestigious international recognition during a grand ceremony on August 21, 2026, at the London Hilton, Kensington. The event celebrates exceptional African leaders and professionals who have made transformative contributions to the continent’s development.
Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin (MD/CEO, Rokel Commercial Bank (RCB), Sierra Leone
Dr. Gilpin joins an elite circle of past Voice Achievers Award recipients, which include: the late Kenneth Kaunda: former President of Zambia (2012). Her Excellency. Fatou Bensouda, former Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court and present Gambian ambassador to the UK, (2012/2013), Ernest Bai Koroma: former President of Sierra Leone (2013).
The award recognizes Dr. Gilpin’s “outstanding leadership and service” in revolutionizing Rokel Commercial Bank , taking it from a loss-making entity to one of the most profitable banks in Sierra Leone. His tenure has been marked by a relentless push for financial inclusion and digital innovation, notably through the Rokel Sim Korpor mobile banking platform.
This latest accolade follows Dr. Gilpin’s recent appointment as Vice President I of the West African Bankers’ Association (WABA) on May 1, 2026, further solidifying his position as a central figure in West Africa’s financial integration and growth.
Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin (MD/CEO, Rokel Commercial Bank (RCB), Sierra Leone
Under his leadership, RCBank has not only dominated the domestic market but has also begun exploring expansion into neighboring Liberia, signaling a new era of regional dominance for Sierra Leonean banking.
Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin’s rise to prominence in the global financial sector is underpinned by a rigorous academic foundation and an extraordinary breadth of international experience. His professional journey reflects a rare blend of high-level policy advisory and hands-on institutional management, making him a central figure in African economic development.
The foundation of Dr. Gilpin’s expertise was laid at Fourah Bay College, the University of Sierra Leone, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics. Seeking to merge regional insights with global best practices, he later attended Columbia University in New York, where he obtained a Master of Science in Economic Policy Management. This academic pedigree provided him with the analytical tools necessary to navigate the complexities of both emerging and developed markets.
Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin (MD/CEO, Rokel Commercial Bank (RCB), Sierra Leone
In his acceptance of the award, Dr. Gilpin remarked: “This honor is not a personal achievement, but a collective victory for the entire RCB family. It is their tireless dedication that has transformed our bank into a cornerstone of trust, innovation, and financial inclusion in Sierra Leone.
Most importantly, this award belongs to the countless Sierra Leoneans—the market women, small-scale traders, and youth—who embraced the belief that banking is a fundamental right, not a luxury. Through digital solutions like the Rokel Sim Korpor App, we have worked to bridge the divide between modern finance and the everyday economy. This recognition from the international community proves that the world is paying attention to Africa’s inclusive growth.
I am deeply moved that our commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, youth empowerment, and a human-centered banking culture has been recognized. It reaffirms our mission to lead with strategic clarity and a spirit of continuous improvement.”
Before his transformative leadership at Rokel Commercial Bank, Dr. Gilpin built a formidable reputation as an international consultant. His career is highlighted by a significant tenure as an advisor to the Commonwealth Secretariat in the United Kingdom. In this capacity, he played a pivotal role in managing and implementing financial restructuring programs for over 38 member countries, demonstrating a unique ability to design solutions for diverse economic landscapes.
Furthermore, his career includes vital contributions to the Bank of Sierra Leone, where he honed his understanding of domestic monetary policy. His influence extends to the world’s most influential financial bodies, having consulted for both the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. Through these roles, Dr. Gilpin has spent decades at the intersection of international finance and sovereign stability, solidifying his status as a visionary leader in the field of economic policy.
Dr. Gilpin, who holds the national honor of Commander of the Order of the Rokel (COOR), continues to be a vocal advocate for Africans “telling their own stories” and reclaiming their rightful position in the global economic community.
The Voice Achievers Award is an international recognition platform established by The Voice News Magazine, the first and largest African news magazine in the Netherlands. Since its inaugural ceremony in 2012, it has evolved into a global event that honors Africans and “friends of Africa” who demonstrate outstanding achievements and positive community impact.
The platform identifies distinguished individuals across diverse sectors, including leadership, entrepreneurship, arts, innovation, and community development. It is designed as a media and mentoring event, pairing young minds with established leaders to inspire future generations. Unlike many formal awards, it purposefully recognizes a wide spectrum of contributors, ranging from high-ranking diplomats and scholars to grassroots workers like airport cleaners. Each year carries a specific focus. For instance, the 2026 theme is “Putting Africa In The Right Perspective—Focusing On Mental Empowerment For Economic Inclusion & Growth”. The event will feature a business summit, high-fashion show, and a gala night dedicated to celebrating African excellence on a global stage. Historically based in the Netherlands, the ceremony has rotated through international locations like Kenya, The Gambia, the UAE, and recently hosted its 14th edition in Lagos, Nigeria in November 2025.