Mohamed Alhajie Samoura has been appointed as President of the Sierra Leone Association of Commercial Banks (SLACB). He is also the CEO of UBA SL, marking a significant local leadership shift. Notable achievements include developing UBA’s business and earning various industry honors. SLACB remains focused on collaboration among the country’s commercial banks.
Mohamed Alhajie Samoura has been appointed as the new President of the Sierra Leone Association of Commercial Banks (SLACB). As the Managing Director and CEO of UBA Sierra Leone, he is the first Sierra Leonean to lead the local subsidiary since 2008. This decision was confirmed during SLACB’s general meeting held on February 4, 2025, where Udeme Udoh was also elected as Vice President and Deputy Chairman.
Samoura takes over from Walton E. Gilpin, who served as President from 2022 to 2025. With a distinguished banking career, Samoura has demonstrated significant accomplishments, including doubling UBA’s revenue, profitability, deposits, account openings, and risk assets. His strong organizational commitment and strategic investments are expected to propel SLACB’s initiatives.
With almost 20 years in the banking industry, Samoura has received considerable acclaim for his work. He was recognized as one of the 100 Most Outstanding Executives by the Sierra Ovation Awards and listed among the 10 Most Influential Sierra Leoneans in 2023 by the Salone Times Newspaper. UBA SL has garnered multiple awards under his guidance, including ‘Bank of the Year’ by The Banker in 2023.
In recent years, UBA SL has also been recognized as the Climate Positive Bank of the Year and honored for excellence in customer service at the Environmental Care Awards. Additionally, ten UBA SL executives ranked among the Top 100 Emerging Leaders in Sierra Leone at the 2023 Sierra Leone Leadership Award.
The Sierra Leone Association of Commercial Banks (SLACB) plays a significant role in fostering cooperation among its member banks. It is a non-profit organization funded by member subscriptions and is open to all banks registered under the Banking Act of 2019. Governed by a Board consisting of Managing Directors from member banks, SLACB currently includes 13 registered banks.
The Sierra Leone Association of Commercial Banks (SLACB) is crucial for promoting collaboration among banks in Sierra Leone. Samoura’s appointment impacts not only SLACB but the broader banking sector in Sierra Leone, as it reflects a growing trend of local leadership in key financial positions. His achievements at UBA SL showcase his capabilities and set a strong foundation for his new role.
The appointment of Mohamed Alhajie Samoura as President of SLACB marks a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s banking sector. His leadership is anticipated to further enhance the operational landscape of commercial banking in the country, leveraging his extensive experience and proven success. The SLACB continues to be an important platform for collaboration among banks, supporting the growth and stability of the banking industry.
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