By George M.O. Williams
Sierra Leone – April 24, 2026: Open Hubb Sierra Leone Limited, a homegrown digital financial technology company, has launched the Flot Business AI WhatsApp Chat, a platform designed to revolutionize how money moves across Sierra Leone by making transactions simpler, faster, and more accessible through everyday messaging technology.
The launch event, held at the company’s Aberdeen office in Freetown, brought together key stakeholders including representatives from banks, mobile money operators such as Afrimoney and Orange Money, and development partners. The initiative marks a significant step in Sierra Leone’s journey toward a fully digital economy, with stakeholders emphasizing innovation, inclusion, and sustainable growth in the financial sector.
Driving Financial Inclusion
Open Hubb CEO David Kpakima underscored the importance of building inclusive and sustainable financial communities. He explained that the platform was developed through strategic partnerships across the financial ecosystem to strengthen systems nationwide.
“With a cashless system, businesses can thrive and more money can circulate within communities,” Kpakima said, noting that Flot Chat also connects with international systems, linking the diaspora economy to local markets. He revealed that the platform currently serves approximately 3,000 businesses across Sierra Leone, offering tools to plan events and access essential services nationwide.
Seamless Integration
Presenting the innovation, Nasif Jaward highlighted that Flot Chat integrates seamlessly with existing banking systems while leveraging modern technology to deliver a user-friendly experience.
“Built around chat-based interactions, Flot Chat allows users to carry out financial transactions directly through WhatsApp, a platform already widely used in daily communication,” Jaward explained. The system enables users to send money, pay with cards, purchase airtime, pay for electricity, and discover merchants—all within a conversational interface.
Stakeholder Perspectives
Fasasi Charles Adeniye, Managing Director of Sky Bank, emphasized that Sierra Leone’s financial sector faces challenges such as limited inclusion and slow growth due to accessibility barriers. He said innovations like Flot Chat could broaden access to financial services and improve transaction efficiency.
“The partnership behind Flot Chat reflects a shared commitment to enabling interoperability among financial platforms and strengthening the country’s digital economy,” Adeniye added.
Meanwhile, Boston Munda, representing the Head of ICT, described the initiative as a clear indication of Sierra Leone’s readiness to embrace digital technology. He stressed that fintech is a key driver of economic growth and digital inclusion, urging continued support through strong policy frameworks.
“Platforms like Flot Chat serve as one-stop solutions for businesses, enhancing commerce, creating jobs, and advancing Sierra Leone’s digital transformation agenda,” Munda said.