delity Bank Plc has launched a new digital empowerment programme to support 100 small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) across Nigeria. The programme, known as the Fidelity SME Empowerment Programme (FSEP), was officially introduced at the bank’s SME Hub in Gbagada, Lagos, and aims to help business owners move from manual operations to digital systems—completely free of charge.
At the launch event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, said the programme reflects the bank’s strong belief in the role of SMEs as a key driver of Nigeria’s economic progress. She explained that the initiative is part of the bank’s long-term effort to provide entrepreneurs with the tools and skills they need to thrive in the country’s growing digital economy.
Dr Onyeali-Ikpe, who was represented by Mr Stanley Amuchie, the Executive Director and Chief Operations and Information Officer of Fidelity Bank, said that each of the 100 selected businesses will receive a full digital business solution. This includes a desktop POS system that works with the ERPRev software, along with a receipt printer, a barcode scanner, and access to technical help for inputting inventory data.
The package also includes a free Fidelity POS terminal with instant payment settlement features, helping the businesses handle customer transactions more quickly and securely. In addition, the beneficiaries will get training in financial management and bookkeeping, branding support, and six months of post-installation technical assistance.
According to the bank, the goal is not just to give out equipment, but to help SMEs improve their record-keeping, become more efficient, and prepare for long-term growth. The event also featured several masterclasses, hands-on training sessions, and networking opportunities for participants to connect with business experts and fellow entrepreneurs.
Mrs Adaonah Kene-Uyawune, Chief Executive Officer of Manmark, the bank’s strategic partner for the programme, spoke during the event. She described the new project as a major step forward for SMEs in Nigeria, especially those still using outdated manual processes. According to her, “We are replacing old systems with a unified digital solution that covers accounting, inventory, human resources, and other key business needs. These tools are not just temporary support—they are built to help businesses grow and last.”
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that SMEs make up more than 96 per cent of businesses in Nigeria. They employ over 80 per cent of the country’s workforce and contribute almost half of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Despite this, many SMEs still operate without proper financial records or digital tools, making it difficult for them to access credit or expand their operations.
Business experts who attended the event said Fidelity Bank’s new empowerment programme is a timely response to the challenges facing the SME sector. They noted that with rising inflation, supply chain issues, and limited access to finance, many small businesses are struggling to stay afloat. The FSEP, they said, can help these businesses build better structures, improve transparency, and become more attractive to investors and banks.
The bank also hinted that the initiative may be expanded in the future to reach more entrepreneurs across different parts of Nigeria. The hope is that with proper digital tools and support, many more SMEs will be able to scale up their operations, increase revenue, and contribute more meaningfully to the economy.
With this move, Fidelity Bank has joined a growing list of financial institutions in Nigeria offering digital solutions to support small businesses. By doing so, the bank is not only helping individual business owners, but also supporting the broader goal of driving financial inclusion and digital transformation in the country.
