In a bold move to promote youth empowerment, Fidelity Bank Plc has partnered with global social entrepreneurship group, Ashoka, to support young innovators in Nigeria with funding, mentorship, and business development.
The partnership was announced during the 2025 Ashoka Young Changemakers Festival held in Lagos. Osita Ede, Fidelity Bank’s Divisional Head of Product Development, emphasized the bank’s commitment to nurturing creativity and innovation as part of its CSR focus.
“Empowerment drives everything we do. Supporting young changemakers is not just a gesture—it’s a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future,” Ede said.
He revealed that the bank would provide access to its SME Hub and host specialized masterclasses to help young talents grow their ideas into sustainable ventures.
On her part, Ashoka’s Regional Director for Anglophone West Africa, Josephine Nzerem, hailed the partnership as a significant leap forward in the mission to scale youth-led impact.
“Fidelity Bank has moved from being a sponsor to a true partner in changemaking. Their support is essential to keeping this movement alive,” Nzerem said.
The 2025 edition of the festival celebrated nine outstanding changemakers working to solve community challenges. The partnership aims to provide them with tools, mentorship, and resources to thrive.
Fidelity Bank continues to rank among Nigeria’s top banks, with over 9.1 million customers, 255 branches, and a UK subsidiary. It has received several awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation and the Best Bank for SMEs by Euromoney.
