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Akeem Lawal, Managing Director of Payment Processing and Switching at Interswitch, announced a bold plan to create approximately 100,000 new jobs for Sierra Leoneans over the next three years during the 2nd Sierra Leone Fintech Forum held in Freetown on June 5, 2025.
This initiative marks a significant shift in the country’s digital financial landscape.
Lawal emphasized that this ambitious employment drive will rely on industry-wide collaboration, enhanced customer trust, and accelerated digital adoption. He stated, “We can only achieve this together. The trust of our customers hinges not just on technology but on how we work as a collective ecosystem.”
Since its launch in Sierra Leone in 2023, Interswitch has been laying the groundwork for transforming electronic payments. The company aims to replicate its success in Nigeria and 25 other African countries by strengthening local infrastructure and making digital banking more accessible.
To support this vision, Lawal announced plans to halve the cost of payment cards and establish new service centers in regional and underserved communities, significantly promoting financial inclusion and creating new job opportunities.
Ibrahim Stevens, Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, endorsed Interswitch’s vision, highlighting the potential for platforms like Interswitch to democratize access to financial services and integrate more citizens into the formal economy. He noted the importance of trust and compliance in building a robust digital banking ecosystem.
Olibunmi Aina, Vice President of Sales and Account Management at Interswitch, reinforced the need for local partnerships to drive sustainable growth. He urged stakeholders to approach the digital shift with purpose and intent, emphasizing that meaningful change comes from building inclusive systems.
This initiative not only aims to boost employment but also seeks to transform Sierra Leone’s financial landscape, positioning it for greater economic stability and integration into the digital economy.
