By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Commerce and Mortgage Bank has been honoured with the National Development Award 2025, conferred by Diaspora Focus, in recognition of the bank’s transformative leadership, strong customer service culture, and sustained contribution to private sector development and nation building.
The prestigious award was presented during the 14th edition of the National Development Awards (NaDA) ceremony held on December 19, 2025, at the Bintumani Hotel. The high-profile event attracted senior government officials, captains of industry, civil society leaders, and members of the Sierra Leonean diaspora, all gathered to celebrate institutions and individuals making meaningful contributions to national progress.
According to the official citation, Commerce and Mortgage Bank was recognised for its strategic role in expanding access to finance, delivering customer-centred banking solutions, and supporting enterprises that drive economic growth and job creation across the country. The organisers highlighted the bank’s operational reforms, service delivery standards, and responsiveness to market needs as key factors aligning with Sierra Leone’s broader agenda of economic transformation and inclusive development.
Presenting the award, Diaspora Focus underscored the importance of strong and resilient financial institutions in national development, particularly in emerging economies. The organisation noted that Commerce and Mortgage Bank’s consistency in innovation, efficiency, and service excellence has positioned it as a dependable partner for businesses, entrepreneurs, and households navigating Sierra Leone’s evolving financial landscape.
“This award celebrates institutions that are in line with our strides for national development,” the citation stated, echoing the NaDA theme, “Together We Can,” which emphasises collective responsibility and partnership between local institutions and the diaspora.
Now in its 14th year, the National Development Awards has become a respected platform for recognising excellence across key sectors, including finance, infrastructure, education, health, governance, and social innovation. Beyond recognition, the awards also serve to strengthen collaboration between the diaspora and development initiatives at home.
Industry observers say Commerce and Mortgage Bank’s recognition further reinforces the growing role of indigenous financial institutions in supporting Sierra Leone’s recovery and long-term development aspirations. The honour is expected to enhance confidence among customers, investors, and partners, while encouraging continued innovation within the banking sector.
The award comes at a time when the bank is sharpening its strategic focus. It will be recalled that the Board of Directors, Senior Management, and staff recently convened their first strategic planning meeting ahead of the 2026 financial year, under the leadership of Alex Emile Studa-Vincent, Managing Director of Commerce and Mortgage Bank. The session provided an opportunity to review performance, align on priorities, and set a clear vision for sustainable growth, innovation, and improved service delivery.
As Sierra Leone looks toward deepening private sector-led growth, stakeholders at the ceremony renewed calls for sustained collaboration between banks, policymakers, and development partners to expand financial inclusion, unlock new opportunities, and accelerate national development.
