With Over 700 Laptop Computers… ACTB Bank Supports Digital Education at IPAM

ACTB Bank has partnered with the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) to empower the next generation through the provision of 750 laptop computers for students. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and promote digital inclusion.
The high-tech laptops were officially presented to the University of Sierra Leone’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, Associate Professor Dr. Ezekiel K. Duramany Lakkoh, on Thursday, October 30th, at the Deputy Vice Chancellor’s conference room. The donation was made by ACTB Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. David Kamara.
Mr. Kamara described the event as a milestone that marks the beginning of a transformative partnership between ACTB Bank and IPAM.
He explained that the motivation behind this partnership stemmed from challenges observed in the workplace:
“We often encounter graduates who possess excellent academic qualifications and are fit for employment, but during induction, we realize that some struggle with basic computer skills. This isn’t due to a lack of ability it’s about access,” he stated.
He added that the bank has been exploring ways to help address this challenge.
“We’ve had fruitful discussions with Professor Lakkoh, who is equally passionate about this course. At ACTB, we are not only promoting financial inclusion but also bridging the gap between financial inclusion and academic excellence. Through partnerships with educational institutions like IPAM, we want to make access to technology not a luxury, but a necessity,” he said.
Mr. Kamara emphasized that this necessity goes beyond simply owning a laptop it’s about enabling innovation, supporting research, and helping students achieve their dreams.
He maintained that the laptops, specifically designed for IPAM and ACTB, are part of the bank’s corporate social responsibility initiative.
“Our focus isn’t just on making profits,” Mr. Kamara stated. “It’s about contributing meaningfully to society. In today’s fast-paced world, knowledge without technology can hold you back. The world is moving quickly, and technology is the driver of that progress.”
In response, Dr. Ezekiel K. Duramany Lakkoh expressed gratitude to ACTB Bank for the initiative. He explained that the laptops would be provided to students on a loan basis and that participation would be voluntary.
“We will give laptops to students who demonstrate both the ability and willingness to pay. For instance, a student who has repeated a year multiple times or has several outstanding references may not qualify for the loan,” he clarified.
Dr. Lakkoh further noted that ACTB Bank is taking on significant financial risk by offering the laptops at current market prices, despite inflation.
“This program is entirely optional it’s not part of our procurement system. Students who are interested can choose to participate. With over 22,000 students at IPAM, we’re starting with 1,000 laptops and will expand gradually.”
He concluded by assuring ACTB Bank of the university’s commitment to managing the program responsibly and ensuring its success.