Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio Reaffirms Commitment to Private Sector Growth as He Hosts Access Bank PLC Leadership

His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio today received Roosevelt Ogbonna, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Access Bank PLC, at State House, where discussions focused on strengthening private sector investment, expanding financial inclusion, and supporting Sierra Leone's economic transformation.

Presenting the delegation, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Access Bank (SL) PLC, Madam Michaela Mackay, described the visit as more than a courtesy call, saying it reflected the unwavering commitment of Access Bank's majority shareholders to Sierra Leone and reaffirmed the country's strategic importance within the Bank's Pan-African network.

She highlighted the Bank's growing footprint in Sierra Leone, noting that Access Bank currently serves more than 66,000 customers through over 89,000 accounts across nine branches, supported by more than 50 banking agents and expanding digital banking platforms, including mobile, internet and USSD services. She added that dedicated business desks serving Chinese, Indian, Lebanese and German clients have further strengthened the Bank's contribution to financial inclusion and economic growth.

Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank PLC, Roosevelt Ogbonna, commended President Bio for creating an enabling environment that continues to attract private sector investment and inspire investor confidence.

He noted that the Government's commitment to economic reforms, human capital development and investor-friendly policies had contributed significantly to the Bank's growth and the country's improving economic outlook.

"The progress we have achieved in Sierra Leone has been possible because of the confidence created by your leadership. Your commitment to human capital development and private sector growth has laid a strong foundation for sustainable economic transformation," Mr. Ogbonna stated.

He reaffirmed Access Bank's commitment to partnering with the Government to support national development and contribute to the country's long-term economic vision.

Welcoming the delegation, President Bio thanked Access Bank for its continued confidence in Sierra Leone and reaffirmed his Government's commitment to creating a conducive environment for businesses to invest, expand and thrive.

He stressed that private sector growth remains central to achieving sustainable economic development, creating jobs and unlocking opportunities for the country's youthful population.

"We want a private sector that is vibrant, competitive and capable of driving economic transformation. Government alone cannot create all the jobs we need. That is why we will continue to support responsible investment and create an enabling environment for businesses to succeed," President Bio said.

The President further underscored the importance of investing in human capital, noting that education, skills development and economic growth must go hand in hand to prepare young people for productive employment.

He emphasized that Africa's greatest asset is its youthful population and that transforming this demographic advantage into economic prosperity requires strong partnerships between government and the private sector.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepening collaboration in support of financial inclusion, private sector development and sustainable economic growth, while exploring new opportunities to expand investment and create jobs for Sierra Leoneans.