In the rhythm of Sierra Leone’s evolving financial system, a new beat is beginning to emerge; steady, deliberate, and increasingly digital. That rhythm will quicken this week as Interswitch, one of Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce companies, convenes key stakeholders in New Brookfields Hotel, Jomo Kenyatta Road, Freetown for the second edition of its Fintech Forum, themed “Access, Inclusion and Growth – Deepening Digital Payments in Sierra Leone.”

Set to take place on June 5, 2025, the event will bring together a cross section of the country’s financial services ecosystem including banks, fintech startups, regulators, microfinance institutions, mobile money operators, and members of the media, for a conversation that transcends product launches and panel discussions. It aims to spark collective action toward a more financially inclusive Sierra Leone.

At the heart of this gathering lies a shared imperative — to foster a more inclusive economy by expanding formal financial access to a broader segment of Sierra Leone’s population. While meaningful progress is underway, many still navigate daily life without reliable access to financial services. Access remains uneven, infrastructure is still evolving, and in many rural communities, cash continues to dominate everyday transactions. Bridging this gap requires collaborative effort, and that’s precisely what this forum seeks to advance.

Events like the Interswitch Fintech Forum matter because they bring together those actively working to solve these challenges. More than just a platform for discussion, the forum will serve as a catalyst for meaningful action and tangible progress.

Interswitch’s entry into the Sierra Leonean market is timely. With over two decades of experience driving Africa’s digital payments evolution, the company’s expansion signals a broader shift in how regional players are approaching scale, access, and long-term presence. While mobile wallets and digital platforms continue to proliferate across the continent, the real challenge lies in ensuring these tools are not only available but usable, trusted, and accessible, particularly in underserved communities where traditional banking infrastructure is limited or non-existent.

A key highlight of the event will be a live demonstration of Interswitch’s Card Issuance Solution and the Agency Banking solution. For those unfamiliar with the model, agency banking essentially brings banking closer to the people through local agents equipped with tech-enabled tools. These agents enable customers to carry out essential financial services such as withdrawals, deposits, bill payments, and transfers, without having to travel long distances to a physical bank branch. In markets where agency banking has gained traction, it has helped in demystifying financial systems, offering human touchpoints that ease the transition into formal digital finance.

Technology is not the only reason this forum stands out; equally significant is the regulatory environment in which it is unfolding. The Bank of Sierra Leone has articulated a clear vision, one that recognises digital financial services as essential to the country’s economic resilience. In expressing its willingness to collaborate with credible private-sector stakeholders, the Central Bank is not only opening the door to innovation but also emphasising the importance of stability and accountability. This clarity provides fintech players with the confidence to explore new solutions, while setting a high standard for sustainable, responsible growth.

As Sierra Leone advances its digital financial agenda, the upcoming Interswitch Fintech Forum highlights the importance of cross-sector collaboration in driving sustainable impact. For Interswitch, the event signals more than market penetration and expansion, it affirms a strategic commitment to supporting the country’s financial transformation journey. By bringing together key players across the ecosystem, the forum is poised to set the stage for long-term partnerships, scalable innovation, and inclusive growth, all critical pillars for building a resilient, future-ready financial landscape.