By: Saidu Jalloh
Governor of the Central Bank of Sierra Leone, Dr. Ibrahim Stevens, has reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to accelerating digital financial transformation—emphasizing access, inclusion, and economic growth as national priorities.
Speaking on June 5, 2025, at the Sierra Leone Fintech Forum held at the Brookfield Hotel and powered by Interswitch, Dr. Stevens praised the progress made in digitalizing the country’s financial sector. He noted that Interswitch and several fintech companies have already partnered with 12 banks and Orange Money, covering nearly 70% of the nation’s financial services landscape.
“As a regulator, we feel obligated to support forums like this. We take fintech and other financial services seriously because of their role in driving financial inclusion,” he stated.
Dr. Stevens emphasized that financial inclusion remains a core strategic priority for the Bank of Sierra Leone. Currently in the second phase (2022–2026) of its National Financial Inclusion Strategy, the Bank is actively exploring new pathways to increase access, particularly for women and underserved populations.
Referencing a recent national Fintech Challenge, he commended the entrepreneurial talent emerging in the digital finance space and reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to fostering a collaborative and transparent regulatory environment that aligns with international standards for consumer protection.
“We’re not just working with fintechs we’re partnering with all players in the financial ecosystem, including digital entrepreneurs, to build a resilient digital economy,” Dr. Stevens said.
Meanwhile, Akeem Lawal, Managing Director of Payment Processing and Switching at Interswitch, spotlighted the company’s efforts to empower digital entrepreneurs in Sierra Leone.
“We’re bringing together the best minds in the industry to promote a strong digital economy and advance financial technology,” Lawal remarked.
However, he pointed to cybersecurity as the most pressing challenge.
“We must build systems that customers trust platforms where they can make payments confidently, without fear of fraud,” he said.
To address this, Interswitch has implemented robust risk management systems, customer control mechanisms, and advanced cyber threat protections.
Since launching operations in Sierra Leone two years ago, Interswitch has faced both opportunities and challenges. Nonetheless, Lawal expressed confidence in the company’s growing resilience and commitment to long-term impact.
“Our goal is to keep everyone connected to the digital economy so they can easily send and receive money, create jobs, and participate in financial growth,” he concluded.
The forum highlighted a shared vision: that through innovation, collaboration, and secure digital platforms, Sierra Leone can build a future-ready financial ecosystem that leaves no one behind.