The National Cooperative Credit Union Association (NaCCUA), in partnership with the Irish League of Credit Unions Foundation (ILCUF), celebrated International Credit Union (ICU) Day 2025 on October 16, under the global theme “Building a Prosperous Future through Cooperative Credit Unions.”

The celebration brought together senior government officials, development partners, cooperative leaders, and community representatives to honor the growth and achievements of Sierra Leone’s credit union movement in promoting financial inclusion and people-centered development.

The high-profile ceremony featured H.E. the Ambassador-Designate of Ireland to Sierra Leone, Hon. Kenyeh Barley, Minister of Planning and Economic Development and keynote speaker, Adama Battu Momoh, Vice Chairperson of NaCCUA, Solomon Mwongyere, General Manager of ILCUF, Fatu Conteh, Assistant Director at the Bank of Sierra Leone, and Alfred Lahai, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

In his goodwill message, the Ambassador-Designate of Ireland reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to supporting the growth of Sierra Leone’s cooperative credit union sector.

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“Ireland’s partnership with Sierra Leone is built on solidarity and shared progress,” he said. “Through collaboration with ILCUF, more than €2 million has been invested to strengthen NaCCUA and extend financial services to rural and underserved communities.”

He encouraged continuous innovation, transparency, and capacity building to ensure the sustainability of Sierra Leone’s credit union movement.

Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Kenyeh Barley, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, applauded the progress of NaCCUA and its partners in strengthening community finance.

“The cooperative movement remains an important pillar in our drive for inclusive growth,” Minister Barley stated. “By providing affordable access to credit, credit unions are empowering farmers, traders, and civil servants to improve their livelihoods. The government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for cooperatives to thrive.”

She called on credit unions to uphold transparency, accountability, and innovation to ensure long-term impact.

In her welcoming remarks, Adama Battu Momoh, Vice Chairperson of NaCCUA, emphasized that credit unions are more than financial institutions they are engines of empowerment.

“Our credit unions stand for unity, trust, and progress,” she said. “We are committed to expanding access to financial services and creating more work-based unions to reach every Sierra Leonean who deserves a chance to save, borrow, and build.”

Solomon Mwongyere, General Manager of ILCUF, praised the collective achievements of Sierra Leone’s 25 registered credit unions, which now serve more than 21,000 members with over NLe 38 million in savings and NLe 36 million in loans.

“Credit unions are transforming lives helping families build homes, empowering entrepreneurs, and supporting smallholder farmers,” Mwongyere noted. “Our partnership with NaCCUA will continue to promote financial inclusion through the five-year Credit Union Growth and Sustainability (CUGS) Programme, supported by Irish Aid.”

Representing the financial regulator, Fatu Conteh, Assistant Director at the Bank of Sierra Leone, underscored the importance of good governance and effective supervision.

“The Bank of Sierra Leone will continue to provide oversight and guidance to ensure credit unions remain transparent, compliant, and member-focused,” she said. “Our goal is to strengthen the cooperative model as a reliable tool for inclusive finance.”

Alfred Lahai, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, urged cooperative members and leaders to uphold honesty and discipline in managing members’ funds.

“Integrity must remain at the heart of cooperative management,” Lahai stated. “Only through trust can credit unions continue to grow and make a lasting difference in communities.”

Delivering the vote of thanks, Mr. Alhaji expressed deep appreciation to all participants, speakers, and partners for their contributions.

“On behalf of NaCCUA and ILCUF, I thank every institution and individual who continues to support the cooperative credit union movement,” he said. “Your dedication ensures that together, we keep building a stronger, more inclusive Sierra Leone.”

The 2025 International Credit Union Day celebration served as a testament to the power of collaboration and the promise of cooperative finance in driving national development. As the theme reminds all stakeholders, “Building a Prosperous Future through Cooperative Credit Unions” begins with unity, transparency, and shared responsibility.