Sierra Leone has taken another step toward expanding digital financial services with the official launch of Flot, an innovative fintech platform designed to connect Sierra Leoneans to modern financial services and opportunities in the global economy.

The platform was officially launched on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Country Lodge in Freetown, in an event attended by government officials, financial institutions, technology partners, business leaders and other stakeholders.

Flot features a Visa-powered card designed to make international payments and travel more convenient, secure and largely cashless. The service is expected to reduce the need for travellers to carry physical foreign currency while abroad and ease some pressure associated with accessing and disbursing foreign exchange for international travel.

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Delivering the keynote address and officially launching the platform, First Lady Fatima Bio described Flot as a celebration of innovation, vision and partnership. She congratulated CEO David Kpakima for his leadership and perseverance in transforming an idea into a financial solution aimed at addressing the needs of Sierra Leoneans.

She commended the partnership between Flot, Zenith Bank Sierra Leone and Visa, saying the collaboration combines expertise in innovation, banking and global payment technology. She said Flot could support students conducting international transactions, entrepreneurs expanding beyond Sierra Leone and professionals managing cross-border financial needs.

The First Lady also stressed the importance of trust, security, transparency and customer service, urging Flot to remain accessible and user-focused. She said financial inclusion should go beyond access to banking by empowering people to participate fully in economic growth and digital opportunities.

Minister of Communications, Technology and Innovation Salima Mormorna Bah highlighted the importance of innovation and private-sector investment in strengthening Sierra Leone’s technology ecosystem. She said the government is committed to creating an enabling environment for startups and innovators to grow and contribute to national development.

Bah said the fintech sector is increasingly driving innovation and disclosed government plans for a Startup Act, expected in the first quarter of next year, to establish a regulatory framework tailored to startups. She also highlighted plans for an Innovation Investment Fund to address financing challenges and Philly Tech City to provide infrastructure and collaborative spaces for innovation.

The minister said Sierra Leone aims to produce its first technology unicorn by 2035, expressing the government’s readiness to support companies such as Flot.

Flot CEO David Kpakima said the platform reflects the growth of Sierra Leone’s fintech ecosystem and highlighted its potential benefits for farmers, businesswomen, students and government officials.

Kpakima said Flot was developed in less than six months, compared to what he described as an industry average of 24 to 28 months. He said the company has launched global cards and is working toward connecting banks and mobile operators across 40 African countries, while targeting wider coverage across the Eurozone.

He added that Flot is designed to facilitate cross-border transactions within seconds, with plans to expand payment capabilities to other African markets and platforms. He also outlined the company’s broader vision of supporting more affordable international travel and improving connections between Freetown and major global destinations.

Kpakima acknowledged the contributions of Zenith Bank, Visa, Sky Bank, Secure ID and Kennedy & Co., alongside Flot’s product, engineering, marketing, sales and finance teams.

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mohammed Rahman Swaray said innovation requires good governance, effective legislation, private capital and policies capable of attracting investment. He highlighted telecommunications reforms and efforts to reposition Sierra Leone’s foreign policy to support investment and international economic partnerships.

Swaray called for Sierra Leone’s diplomatic missions abroad to play a greater role in attracting foreign direct investment and connecting the country to international business opportunities. He also emphasized technology-driven ecosystems, skills transfer and stronger links between local entrepreneurs and global innovation hubs.

He further encouraged the development of a cashless economy, noting that digital financial services could improve efficiency and reduce challenges associated with physical cash and international transactions.

The Zenith Bank Managing Director, a key partner in the initiative, welcomed Flot as an important step toward expanding financial opportunities and supporting a cashless society. He emphasized the importance of robust technology and security in building user confidence in the platform.

A Visa representative congratulated the Flot team, led by Kpakima, describing the launch as the beginning of transformative opportunities for Sierra Leoneans. He reaffirmed Visa’s commitment to supporting the country through its global experience, technological capabilities and payment solutions.

He said the partnership aims to provide Sierra Leoneans with greater access to opportunities from within the country while strengthening their connection to the global economy.

The launch marks a significant development in Sierra Leone’s growing fintech sector, with stakeholders expressing optimism that Flot will contribute to financial inclusion, digital transformation, safer international transactions and broader economic participation.

The event concluded with the official unveiling of Flot, marking the company’s ambition to make financial services simpler, safer and more accessible while connecting Sierra Leoneans and businesses to opportunities beyond the country’s borders.