Dr. Walton E. Gilpin, Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank (SL) Limited, has been Appointed Vice President 1 of the West African Bankers’ Association (WABA) during the organisation’s 79th Executive Council Meeting and 43rd General Assembly held in Monrovia, Liberia, from 28–29 April 2026.

WABA, established on 10 August 1981 in Accra, Ghana, serves as a key platform for banks across the ECOWAS sub-region. It was created to promote cooperation among financial institutions and strengthen intra-regional trade and payment systems, following recommendations from Central Bank Governors and the endorsement of West African Heads of State.

During the assembly, Dr. Gilpin called for a more dynamic and value-driven WABA that would provide greater benefits to chief executive officers of banks across the sub-region. He noted that strengthening the association’s relevance was essential in ensuring continued confidence in membership investment.

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He stressed that WABA should play a stronger role in improving Know Your Customer (KYC) standards and enhancing collaboration with international banking partners in Europe and the United States. He also highlighted the association’s potential role in strengthening oversight of digital financial transactions to reduce risks linked to money laundering and fraud.

Dr. Gilpin further proposed that WABA be developed into a regional resource and research hub where bank CEOs can assess performance and return on investment. He also urged the association to take a leading role in advancing the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) and other digital payment innovations to enhance efficiency within the financial sector.

Outgoing WABA President Dr. Guy Laurent Fondjo and incoming President designate Dr. Dele Alabi supported calls for a review of the association’s strategic direction, including improved coordination among member institutions. They also encouraged stronger partnerships with key regional financial institutions such as the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID).

WABA Secretary General Alhajie Jeng commended Dr. Gilpin’s contributions, noting that his strategic input contributed to his unanimous election as Vice President 1. Ms. Isatu Jawara of The Gambia was elected Vice President 2, while Dr. Dele Alabi of Nigeria was named President designate.

In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Gilpin expressed appreciation to members for the confidence reposed in him and emphasised the need for stronger engagement among bank CEOs across the region. He proposed the creation of a dedicated communication platform to enhance coordination and collaboration within the association.

He also encouraged central banks across West Africa to play a more active role in supporting WABA’s initiatives, stressing that stronger cooperation would help drive meaningful transformation in the regional banking sector.