Small business owners and petty traders across Freetown on Thursday benefited from a one-day capacity-building workshop aimed at strengthening financial resilience, cybersecurity awareness, and business management skills for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The training, organised by Rokel Commercial Bank in partnership with EST Applied Intelligence UK, was held on Thursday, 14 May 2026, at the Clock Tower Branch, Eastern Police. It forms part of the bank’s SME strategic engagement programme designed to support the growth and sustainability of small businesses in Sierra Leone.

Delivering the keynote address, Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank, Walton Gilpin, described small and medium enterprises as the backbone of the national economy, noting that they play a key role in job creation, innovation, and family livelihoods.

Related News

“At Rokel Commercial Bank, we believe SMEs are not just customers. You are the engine of Sierra Leone’s economy,” Dr. Gilpin stated.

He explained that the workshop focused on two major pillars financial health and cybersecurity protection emphasising that well-managed businesses are more likely to withstand economic shocks, access financing, and grow sustainably.

Dr. Gilpin further highlighted the importance of sound financial practices, including cash flow management, separation of personal and business finances, and proper record-keeping.

On cybersecurity, he warned participants about rising digital threats linked to online banking and mobile financial services, especially as more traders adopt digital platforms, including the bank’s upcoming Simkor Plus mobile application.

“One phishing email can wipe out months of profit,” he cautioned, urging participants to adopt safe digital practices to protect their businesses and customers.

He also commended EST Applied Intelligence UK for the partnership, noting that cybersecurity awareness is essential not only for large institutions but also for market women, traders, and small-scale entrepreneurs using digital financial tools.

Head of the SME Department at Rokel Commercial Bank, Bettie Mason, spoke on financial discipline and mindset change, stressing that proper money management is key to business survival and growth.

She encouraged participants to adopt savings habits such as “paying yourself first,” consistent saving practices, and treating savings as a fixed obligation similar to rent.

She also noted that loans should be viewed as strategic tools for business expansion when used responsibly.

The workshop also featured testimonies from business owners who shared how loan support from the bank helped them start and expand their enterprises.

A representative from the fishing community praised the bank for improving access to financial services and empowering local livelihoods, expressing hope for continued partnership with grassroots communities.

Participants were also reminded of the bank’s toll-free customer service line, 940, which provides support for inquiries, transactions, and fraud-related concerns.

Chief Executive Officer of EST Applied Intelligence UK, Lawrence McEkwen, delivered a presentation on “Introduction to Cybersecurity,” where he outlined key principles of digital safety, including protecting personal information, finances, and business data.

He also demonstrated how traders can create strong passwords and secure their devices against cyber threats.

Another speaker, Joe Abass Bangura, addressed participants on “Financially Stronger and Sustainable Business,” highlighting challenges facing MSMEs across Africa.

He noted that Africa hosts an estimated 240 million to 245 million MSMEs, which contribute significantly to employment and economic growth, but warned that many businesses fail within their early years due to poor financial planning and weak management structures.

Mr. Bangura emphasized the need for improved business discipline, sustainability planning, and financial literacy to reduce failure rates among small enterprises.

The workshop concluded with a call for SME owners and traders to apply the lessons learned to build more resilient, financially stable, and cyber-secure businesses capable of contributing to Sierra Leone’s economic development.