Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Rokel Commercial Bank (RCB), Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, has been named African Banker of the Year 2026 by The Voice Achievers Awards, marking another major international recognition for Sierra Leone’s banking sector.
Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin received the prestigious honour on Friday, 21 August 2026, at an awards ceremony held at the London Hilton Kensington in the United Kingdom.
The Voice Achievers Awards recognizes outstanding African leaders, professionals and institutions whose work has contributed significantly to development, leadership and positive transformation across Africa and beyond.
Dr. Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin’s recognition places him among a distinguished group of African personalities who have previously been honoured by the awards for their contributions in leadership, governance and professional service.
Among past recipients is the late former President of Zambia, Kenneth Kaunda, who received recognition in 2012. Former Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court and current Gambian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Fatou Bensouda, has also been recognized by the awards.
Former President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma, was similarly honoured in 2013, further highlighting the calibre of African personalities associated with The Voice Achievers Awards over the years.
Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, who holds several professional qualifications and distinctions, including FPMA, HCIB, MIA, PEPM and COOR, has led Rokel Commercial Bank through a period characterized by institutional transformation, expansion and increased emphasis on digital banking and financial inclusion.
His emergence as African Banker of the Year 2026 represents significant international recognition of his leadership in the financial services sector and places Sierra Leone among countries whose banking professionals are gaining greater recognition on the continental and international stage.
Under Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin’s leadership, Rokel Commercial Bank has continued to strengthen its operations while pursuing initiatives aimed at modernizing banking services and expanding access to financial products for individuals, businesses and institutions.
The award also adds to Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin’s growing profile within Africa’s banking and corporate leadership landscape, recognizing his contribution to the development of the financial sector and his stewardship of one of Sierra Leone’s leading commercial banks.
The London ceremony brought together African leaders, professionals and other distinguished personalities to celebrate achievements and contributions that have made a positive impact on the continent.
For Rokel Commercial Bank, the recognition of its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer represents another milestone for the institution and underscores the growing visibility of Sierra Leonean professionals on major international platforms.
Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin’s inclusion among The Voice Achievers Awards recipients also places him alongside prominent African figures whose leadership and professional accomplishments have earned recognition beyond their respective countries.
