Mohamed Alhajie Samoura Appointed President of Sierra Leone Association of Commercial Banks

The Sierra Leone Association of Commercial Banks (SLACB) has named Mohamed Alhajie Samoura as its new President. As Managing Director and CEO of UBA SL, Samoura is the first Sierra Leonean to lead UBA’s local subsidiary since 2008. 

At its general meeting on February 4th, 2025, members of the Board of Directors of SLACB confirmed Samoura as President and Chairman. They also elected Mr. Udeme Udoh, Managing Director of First Bank SL, as Vice President and Deputy Chairman. 

Samoura succeeds Walton E. Gilpin, Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank who led SLACB from 2022 to 2025. A seasoned banker, Samoura brings a proven track record of success. Under his leadership at UBA, the bank doubled its revenue, profitability, deposits, account openings, and risk assets. 

His deep commitment to the UBA brand and strategic investments in the local market position him to drive SLACB forward. 

Official statement from SLACB

Mohamed Alhajie Samoura’s Leadership and Recognition

With nearly two decades in Sierra Leone’s banking industry, Samoura has earned widespread recognition. The Sierra Ovation Awards named him among the 100 Most Outstanding Executives in Sierra Leone. The Salone Times Newspaper also listed him among the 10 Most Influential Sierra Leoneans in 2023. 

Under his leadership, UBA SL has received multiple prestigious awards. In 2023, The Banker, a Financial Times UK publication, named UBA SL Bank of the Year. The African Branding Agency recognised it among the Top 10 Institutions in Sierra Leone, while Samoura ranked among the Top 5 Financial Leaders. 

UBA SL also won Climate Positive Bank of the Year at the 7th Environmental Care Awards, organized by Shout Climate Change Africa  in partnership with the Sierra Leonean Metrological Agency and Freetown City Council. The African Ovation Awards honoured the bank of outstanding customer service and contributions to Sierra Leone’s social and economic development. 

Additionally, ten UBA Sierra Leone executives received the 2023 Sierra Leone Leadership Award, ranking among the Top 100 Emerging Leaders in the country.

UBA’s congratulatory message to Samoura

About the Sierra Leone Association of Commercial Banks (SLACB)

The Sierra Leone Association of Commercial Bankers (SLACB) is a non-profit organization that fosters collaboration among member banks. Funded through member subscriptions, the association is open to any bank registered under the Banking Act, 2019. 

SLACB is governed by a Board comprising the Managing Directors of each member bank. Currently, the association includes 13 registered banks:

• Sierra Leone Commercial Bank 
• Rokel Commercial Bank
• Guaranty Trust Bank SL 
• First Bank SL 
• Bloom Bank for Africa SL
• United Bank of Africa SL 
• Union Trust Bank
• Vista Bank SL
• Zenith Bank SL 
• Ecobank SL 
• Sky Bank SL 
• Access Bank SL
• Commerce and Mortgage Bank PLC SL