Fidelity Bank Plc has launched the 2025 edition of its SME Empowerment Program, aimed at equipping 100 growth-ready businesses with cutting-edge digital tools to boost productivity and long-term growth.
The initiative was unveiled on Wednesday, July 23, at the bank’s SME Hub in Gbagada, Lagos.
Through the program, selected businesses will receive free ERPRev-enabled POS desktop systems, business software, barcode scanners, receipt printers, and six months of post-installation support. They will also benefit from intensive training, branding support, and financial management tools.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director/CEO of Fidelity Bank (represented by Mr. Stanley Amuchie), reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to SMEs as key drivers of economic development.
“At Fidelity Bank, we believe SMEs are not just the backbone of our economy – they are the architects of innovation, resilience, and inclusive growth. Through the Fidelity SME Empowerment Program (FSEP), we are providing 100 entrepreneurs with the tools, training, and support they need to thrive in today’s digital economy. This initiative is not just about tools – it’s about empowering our SMEs to thrive in a digital-first world,” she said.
According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, SMEs make up 96% of all businesses in the country, employ over 80% of the workforce, and contribute nearly 50% to the national GDP. Despite their critical role in the economy, many still rely on manual processes that hinder efficiency and limit access to finance.
“At Fidelity Bank, we believe SMEs are not just the backbone of our economy – they are the architects of innovation, resilience, and inclusive growth. Through the Fidelity SME Empowerment Program (FSEP), we are providing 100 entrepreneurs with the tools, training, and support they need to thrive in today’s digital economy.”
The three-day program features high-impact training, masterclasses, and networking opportunities designed to spark innovation, build partnerships, and unlock new markets.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Adaonah Kene-Uyawaune, CEO of Manmark – Fidelity Bank’s strategic partner, noted, “This digital transformation initiative is a game changer. It replaces manual bookkeeping with a unified system that simplifies accounting, inventory, HR, and profitability tracking. These tools are not handouts – they are instruments for long-term business success.”
Fidelity Bank’s intervention is therefore both timely and strategic – providing SMEs with the digital tools and support they need to streamline operations, improve transparency, and unlock new growth opportunities.
Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
