By Ishmael Sallieu Koroma
In its ongoing commitment to financial inclusion and customer empowerment, Ecobank Sierra Leone on Monday, 5th May 2025, held its second ‘Kapu Gentri’ Draw, rewarding a new cohort of customers and Express Point agents with cash prizes dat a vibrant ceremony held at the bank’s headquarters on Lightfoot Boston Street in Freetown.
The event is part of Ecobank’s Deposit Mobilization Promotion, popularly branded Kapu Gentri—a Krio phrase that loosely translates to “gathering wealth”—a campaign that aims to encourage consistent savings among Sierra Leoneans while recognizing long-standing customer loyalty and the vital role played by community-based banking agents.
A Drive Toward Savings and Inclusion
Speaking during the event, Sheikh Omaru Jalloh, Ecobank’s Head of Brand, Communications, and Marketing, reflected on the broader purpose of the promotion. He noted that the Kapu Gentri campaign, launched in November 2024, was designed not just to boost deposit mobilization but to inspire a nationwide culture of financial discipline and resilience.
“In January this year, we conducted the first draw and rewarded nine customers and three agents. Today, we are back to fulfill our promise again by celebrating and empowering another group of nine customers and multiple agents,” Jalloh said.
“This is a journey we started with our customers, and through Kapu Gentri, we’re telling them that every deposit matters.”
The promotion is structured to include both customers and agents. Customers who deposited and maintained at least NLe 6,000 during the campaign period were entered into the draw. The top three contributors were rewarded with NLe 1,500, NLe 1,000, and NLe 500 respectively. Express Point agents were also recognized for their role in extending Ecobank’s reach, with cash prizes of NLe 2,000, NLe 1,500, and NLe 1,000 awarded to the top three performers.
Honouring Loyalty and Community Service
Kate Thompson, Head of Consumer Banking at Ecobank, emphasized the importance of honouring loyal customers who have stood by the bank over the years.
“This campaign is about more than numbers; it’s about people. We have customers who have been with us since the bank began operations in Sierra Leone. It’s important we acknowledge them,” Thompson said.
“The idea behind Kapu Gentri is to help our customers build wealth, not just through banking products but by instilling long-term financial habits.”
She however stressed the role of Ecobank’s Express Point agents, calling them the “backbone” of the bank’s deposit mobilization strategy. With over 200 agents spread across the country, these local partners make banking accessible even in remote areas where formal branches may not be present.
“In today’s economy, it’s no longer feasible for customers to travel long distances just to conduct banking transactions. That’s why we’ve invested in our agent network and digital platforms to ensure that customers can access services wherever they are,” Thompson explained.
“Our agents play a key role in making banking inclusive and convenient.”
Banking Beyond the Branch
Ecobank has also enhanced its digital footprint, integrating mobile banking and interconnectivity with telecommunication platforms. Customers can now move funds between their bank accounts and mobile wallets, ensuring real-time access to money even in the absence of traditional infrastructure.
“We want customers to bank at their convenience—whether through agents, mobile apps, cards, or telco wallets,” Thompson said. “With services available 24/7, we are redefining what access to finance means in Sierra Leone.”
A Vision for National Growth
In a passionate address, Sebastian Ashong-Katai, Managing Director of Ecobank Sierra Leone, highlighted the deeper, national implications of campaigns like Kapu Gentri.
“This campaign isn’t just about rewarding customers—it’s about building a financial culture,” he said. “In many developing countries, the strength of domestic savings determines the strength of the economy. When people save more, there’s more capital available for investment. That’s how economies grow.”
Ashong-Katai lauded customers who are making conscious efforts to save, describing their actions as acts of hope and vision.
“To every customer saving for their child’s education, for a new business, or simply for a rainy day—your efforts matter. You’re not just saving for yourself; you’re helping build a future for Sierra Leone,” he said. “And that’s what Kapu Gentri stands for—an inclusive financial movement rooted in discipline, trust, and opportunity.”
Looking Ahead
With the second draw successfully concluded, Ecobank has reaffirmed its commitment to continuing the Kapu Gentri campaign in subsequent months. The bank has promised even greater rewards in future draws and plans to further expand its outreach to new communities through additional Express Point partnerships and digital innovation.
As Sierra Leone continues its journey toward financial inclusion and economic resilience, initiatives like Kapu Gentri are helping bridge the gap between formal banking and everyday citizens—bringing banking to the doorstep and empowering people one deposit at a time.
