WABA IN COLLABORATION WITH SLACB

2nd West African
Banking Forum &
2nd West African
Bankers’ Awards Night

6–7 NOVEMBER 2026 · FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE

“Empowering Women in Banking for Inclusive and Sustainable Finance in West Africa.”
Register for both events

THE REGION’S PREMIER BANKING GATHERING

Two landmark events.
One shared vision.

01

About the Forum

A high-level platform for banking leaders, policy makers and financial innovators to exchange ideas and advance resilient, inclusive and sustainable finance across West Africa.

Forum focus areas

  1. Update on the ECOWAS Single Currency Initiative
  2. Regional Financial Integration
  3. The creation of the single currency “Eco” in West Africa
  4. ECOWAS Payments and Settlement System Integration
  5. Role of Commercial Banks in Payments Integration
  6. Regulatory and Policy Frameworks of Financial Integration, single currency and payment system
02

About the Awards Night

This landmark occasion will bring together distinguished leaders and representatives of the banking and financial services industry, policymakers, regulators, development partners, industry professionals, and other key stakeholders from across West Africa. The event will provide a high-level platform for engagement and dialogue on critical issues shaping the future of the region's financial sector, while also recognising institutions and individuals whose achievements continue to promote banking excellence and regional development.

THE CELEBRATIONS WILL BE HELD UNDER THE THEME
“Empowering Women in Banking for Inclusive and Sustainable Finance in West Africa.”

This important theme reflects WABA's commitment to promoting greater participation, representation, leadership, and professional advancement of women within the banking and financial services industry. It also recognises the indispensable role of women in driving financial inclusion, innovation, economic empowerment, institutional transformation, and sustainable development across West Africa.

Event details

Event
2nd Annual West African Bankers Award Night and WABA 45th Anniversary Celebration
Date
Saturday, 7th November 2026
Venue
Freetown, Sierra Leone

The 2nd Annual West African Bankers Award Night will provide a prestigious platform to recognise and celebrate outstanding financial institutions, banking professionals, and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, professionalism, excellence, and commitment to the advancement of the banking and financial services industry in West Africa.

The occasion will also commemorate the 45th Anniversary of the West Africa Bankers’ Association (WABA). Established in 1981, WABA has, over the past four and a half decades, played an important role in promoting cooperation, collaboration, professionalism, regional integration, and the development of the banking sector across West Africa.

This historic milestone provides an opportunity to reflect on the Association's achievements, celebrate the contributions of its members, partners, and stakeholders, and renew our collective commitment to building a stronger, more integrated, innovative, inclusive, and resilient West African financial system.

DATE6–7 November 2026
LOCATIONFreetown, Sierra Leone
REGISTRATIONOne registration for both events

JOIN US IN FREETOWN

Be part of the conversation shaping West African banking.

Registration is open to delegates, speakers, nominees, sponsors, media and invited guests.

Register for both events

WABA Secretariat · secretariat@waba.org