The 2nd Annual West African Banker’s Award Night took place on 7th November 2026 at the Bintumani International Conference Centre in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Organised by the West African Bankers’ Association, the event focused on the theme ‘Empowering Women in Banking for Inclusive and Sustainable Finance in West Africa.’
Vista Bank Sierra Leone was honoured with the award for “Best Bank for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs).” The accolade was presented to the bank’s Managing Director, Pa Ousman Njai, by Dr. Ibrahim Stevens, the Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone.
This recognition reflects Vista Bank’s commitment to promoting financial inclusion via strategic partnerships, innovative financing, and ongoing investment in technology. These efforts aim to reshape the financial landscape, supporting businesses crucial to the country’s economic growth.
In addition to its financial products, Vista Bank provides advisory services to help clients tackle practical challenges, from cash flow management to trade facilitation. This support is vital in Sierra Leone, where many entrepreneurs operate informally and need guidance to expand their businesses.
The initiative aids in building a resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem, enabling businesses to seize both domestic and international market opportunities.
This year’s event was attended by H.E. Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone, along with key figures such as the Minister of Finance, the Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, Central Bank Governors from across West Africa, and the Managing Directors of all commercial banks in Sierra Leone.
