By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope
On October 16, the National Cooperative Credit Union Association (NaCCUA) and the Irish League of Credit Unions Foundation (ILCUF) commemorated International Credit Union (ICU) Day 2025 with a focus on “Building a Prosperous Future through Cooperative Credit Unions.”
The event gathered senior government officials, development partners, cooperative leaders, and community representatives to celebrate the advancements of Sierra Leone’s credit union movement in fostering financial inclusion and community development.
Key figures at the ceremony included H.E. Kenyeh Barley, Ambassador-Designate of Ireland to Sierra Leone; Hon. Adama Battu Momoh, Minister of Planning and Economic Development; Solomon Mwongyere, General Manager of ILCUF; Fatu Conteh, Assistant Director at the Bank of Sierra Leone; and Alfred Lahai, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
In his address, Ambassador Barley highlighted Ireland’s commitment to supporting the growth of Sierra Leone’s cooperative credit union sector, stating, “Through our collaboration with ILCUF, over €2 million has been invested to strengthen NaCCUA and extend financial services to rural and underserved communities.” He emphasized the need for continuous innovation and transparency to ensure the sustainability of the movement.
Minister Barley praised NaCCUA’s efforts, noting, “The cooperative movement is crucial for our inclusive growth strategy. By providing affordable credit access, credit unions empower farmers, traders, and civil servants to improve their livelihoods.” He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering an environment conducive to cooperative success.
Adama Battu Momoh, Vice Chairperson of NaCCUA, underscored the role of credit unions as more than just financial institutions, stating, “They are engines of empowerment. We are dedicated to expanding access to financial services and creating work-based unions to serve every Sierra Leonean.”
Solomon Mwongyere commended the achievements of the 25 registered credit unions in Sierra Leone, which collectively serve over 21,000 members with savings exceeding NLe 38 million and loans totaling NLe 36 million. “Credit unions are transforming lives by helping families build homes and supporting smallholder farmers,” he noted.
Fatu Conteh, representing the Bank of Sierra Leone, emphasized the importance of governance and effective supervision. She assured that the bank would continue to oversee credit unions to ensure they remain transparent and member-focused.
Alfred Lahai urged cooperative leaders to maintain integrity in managing members’ funds, emphasizing that trust is vital for the growth and impact of credit unions.
In closing, Mr. Alhaji expressed gratitude to all participants and partners for their contributions, stating, “Your dedication ensures that we continue to build a stronger, more inclusive Sierra Leone.”
The 2025 International Credit Union Day celebration reaffirmed the power of collaboration and cooperative finance in driving national development, echoing the theme that a prosperous future begins with unity and shared responsibility.
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