Fidelity Bank Plc has unveiled a new initiative to accelerate the digital transformation of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria, equipping 100 growth-ready businesses with advanced business management systems at no cost.
The launch, which took place at the bank’s SME Hub in Gbagada, Lagos, on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, was the highlight of the Fidelity SME Empowerment Program (FSEP) 2025. The event drew a strong turnout of entrepreneurs, industry stakeholders, and partners eager to explore ways to enhance SME resilience and drive sustainable growth in the digital era.
Welcoming guests, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director/CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc, represented by Mr. Stanley Amuchie, Executive Director/Chief Operations and Information Officer, underscored the importance of SMEs to Nigeria’s economic future.
“At Fidelity Bank, we believe SMEs are not just the backbone of our economy—they are the architects of innovation, resilience, and inclusive growth,” Onyeali-Ikpe said. “Through the Fidelity SME Empowerment Program, we are providing 100 entrepreneurs with the tools, training, and support they need to thrive in today’s digital economy.”
As part of the initiative, participating SMEs will receive a fully installed ERPRev-enabled POS desktop system, barcode scanner, receipt printer, and inventory data input support. They will also benefit from extensive training in financial management and bookkeeping, branding and onboarding support, six months of post-installation monitoring, and a Fidelity POS device with instant settlement.
The three-day programme features intensive trainings, masterclasses, and networking opportunities designed to help entrepreneurs scale their businesses, improve efficiency, and gain access to new markets.
Speaking on the strategic value of the intervention, Mrs. Adaonah Kene-Uyawune, CEO of Manmark—Fidelity Bank’s strategic partner for the project—described the initiative as transformative.
“This digital transformation initiative is a game changer,” Kene-Uyawune stated. “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.”
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, SMEs account for 96% of all businesses in Nigeria, employ more than 80% of the workforce, and contribute nearly 50% to the nation’s GDP. Yet, many still struggle with inefficiencies caused by manual processes, which also limit access to financing.
Fidelity Bank’s intervention is therefore both timely and strategic, providing the necessary digital infrastructure to improve transparency, streamline operations, and unlock new growth opportunities.
Ranked among Nigeria’s leading commercial banks, Fidelity Bank Plc serves over 9.1 million customers through robust digital platforms, 255 business offices across the country, and its UK subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited. The bank’s commitment to innovation has earned it multiple awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
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