Fidelity Bank Plc has announced a major empowerment initiative targeting 100 entrepreneurs across Nigeria, as part of efforts to accelerate the digital transformation of small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) nationwide.
According to a statement by the bank, the support will be delivered through its Fidelity SME Empowerment Programme, and is aimed at boosting productivity, streamlining business operations, and fostering sustainable growth among Nigerian entrepreneurs.
The initiative will provide selected beneficiaries with a robust digital toolkit. This includes a Point of Sale (POS) desktop system, access to ERPRev software (an enterprise resource planning tool), a receipt printer and barcode scanner, inventory and management tools, business training and support, as well as free Fidelity-branded POS terminals with full onboarding assistance.
The bank said the intervention reflects its commitment to building a digitally empowered SME sector capable of driving economic resilience and long-term prosperity.
Speaking on the programme, Osita Ede, Divisional Head of Product Development at Fidelity Bank, said that digitalisation has proven to be a key driver of growth for small businesses. He noted that the bank is committed to bridging the digital gap by offering its customers free access to tools that can transform how they operate.
“Studies have shown the exponential growth SMEs can achieve through digitalisation. As Nigeria’s leading SME partner, we are walking the talk by providing free digital toolkits to our customers,” Ede stated. “This aligns with our mission to help individuals grow, businesses thrive, and economies prosper.”
Ede further emphasized that the move is not just a business decision but part of the bank’s broader vision to foster economic inclusivity and build a thriving and resilient business ecosystem in Nigeria.
As part of its World SME Day 2025 celebrations, Fidelity Bank also threw open the doors of its SME Hub in Gbagada, Lagos, to entrepreneurs, giving them access to resources and networking opportunities. The bank also organized a special mentoring session for female entrepreneurs, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe.
The CEO has consistently championed initiatives that promote SME development, especially those that empower women-led businesses and drive inclusion across underserved sectors.
Fidelity Bank has positioned itself in recent years as one of Nigeria’s most SME-friendly financial institutions, launching several capacity-building programs, funding schemes, and technology-driven solutions. The Fidelity SME Hub in Lagos serves as a resource centre where entrepreneurs can access advisory services, attend training sessions, and connect with potential partners and investors.
Industry experts have commended the bank for its consistent support of SMEs, noting that access to digital infrastructure remains a major barrier for many small businesses in Nigeria. They say that such programmes are essential in helping local entrepreneurs improve efficiency, scale operations, and tap into new markets.
Entrepreneurs selected for the empowerment programme are expected to begin receiving their toolkits and training support in the coming weeks. The bank has yet to release criteria for selection, but encouraged existing and aspiring entrepreneurs to stay connected through its digital platforms for upcoming announcements.
With over 39 million MSMEs in Nigeria contributing to over 48% of the country’s GDP, Fidelity Bank’s intervention is a strategic push to unlock the potential of this critical sector using technology as a key enabler.
