Access Interview: Vezele K. Gbogie, CEO of AccessBank Liberia

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By Ivana Mitrovic

Vezele K. Gbogie is a career banker with over 16 years of experience, particularly working with Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). He has a strong background in Development Finance and is passionate about supporting initiatives aimed at promoting financial inclusion and reliable access to finance for the lower income segments in Liberia

Keep your dreams in sight, fuel them with hard and honest work; this will equip you to confront any obstacle that may arise. 

Vezele, congratulations on your appointment as CEO of AccessBank Liberia. You began your journey with the Bank 16 years ago as a loan officer, and today you lead the very same institution. That’s quite a remarkable path. Can you walk us through your journey, what shaped your development along the way, and how does it feel to now lead the organisation?

I started up as a Trainee LO on June 1, 2009, as part of what was called the “third generation” of loan officers. By May 2010, I was promoted to Group Leader and then Branch Manager in December 2010. I took over a branch that had been severely impacted by fraud, turned it around in two years, and made it the best-performing branch at AccessBank Liberia. During that time, I also mentored several team members who went on to become middle managers, including two Branch Managers.

In 2013, I moved to the Head Office as Head of Banking Services. In 2015, I was promoted to Banking Services Manager and Member of the Management Board in 2015. In 2021, I took over a new role as Chief Business Officer. On June 26, 2025, I was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of AccessBank Liberia.

You’ve been part of the Bank through some of its most difficult periods—like the Ebola crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. What do you think contributed to AccessBank Liberia’s resilience during such challenging times?

Strong optimism, loyalty, and a deep sense of ownership among staff contributed significantly to the bank’s ability to rebound after the Ebola crisis. There was a remarkable level of unity and mutual support across the team. Local staff, in particular, viewed the crisis as an opportunity to apply and demonstrate their previously acquired skills in their respective areas—a factor I believe played a major role in my own growth and development. I had the privilege of leading the local team on the ground during this period, with consistent support from senior management working remotely.

You were also among the first generation of Access Campus participants, though the Ebola outbreak delayed your graduation by two years. How did that experience shape your view of AH’s learning culture?

Very positive experience. The Access Campus laid the foundation for many of the technical and leadership skills I have acquired over the years. It also provided my first learning experience outside Liberia and helped adapt to a multicultural environment- something that made settling in the UK for my master’s program much easier.  

And how does it influence the way you lead today?

My experience at Access Campus shaped me into a people-centered leader who believes in building strong teams and promoting collaboration. A well-trained and motivated team is far more likely to succeed and overcome barriers.

Let’s talk about some of the key initiatives the Bank has undertaken in recent years. Which projects stand out to you, and how do they align with the broader vision for AccessBank Liberia?

The bank has been focusing on better and more efficient ways to serve its clients. Therefore, digitalization has been at the center of the bank’s strategy for the past three years. Most credit forms are now available digitally, with automated calculation systems. We have also partnered with mobile network operators to enable clients to make deposits and withdrawals without coming to the bank. Most recently, we installed biometric ATMs with both deposit and withdrawal functionalities in three branches—the first of their kind in Liberia. Moreover, the bank has introduced a smart fee payment system and online statements, all powered by digital technology.

Speaking of vision—can you share a bit about the Bank’s current strategy? Where is AccessBank Liberia headed, and what will your role be in ensuring the strategy is not only implemented but truly lived across the organisation?

The bank intends to further enhance its ability to provide MSMEs with easier, more affordable, and more efficient access to finance through a variety of digital channels—a vision that aligns with the Central Bank of Liberia’s goal of moving Liberia toward a cashless economy.

Recently, AccessBank Liberia won the AccessChallenge, standing out among nearly 800 colleagues across our network. What was the atmosphere like during the challenge?

The atmosphere was great. There was a lot of awareness about the Access Challenge among colleagues, and strong team spirit played a key role in ABL’s success this year.

And more importantly, how do you plan to use the donated funds?

The fund will be used to purchase school materials to support underprivileged children.

And finally, what are some personal lessons you’ve learned along the way—insights you’d want to share with colleagues across the network, especially those just starting out on their professional journey?

The biggest lesson for me over the years is: keep your dreams in sight, fuel them with hard and honest work; this will equip you to confront any obstacle that may arise.