Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have been urged to embrace digital tools to optimise their operations and achieve sustainable growth. This call to action was made during the Fidelity SME Empowerment Program 2025, held on Wednesday, July 23, at the bank’s SME Hub in Gbagada, Lagos.
The event, which attracted numerous entrepreneurs and stakeholders, marked the official launch of Fidelity Bank’s initiative to equip 100 growth-focused SMEs with ERPRev-enabled POS systems and business support tools—completely free of charge.
Welcoming participants, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director/CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc, represented by Mr. Stanley Amuchie, Executive Director/Chief Operations and Information Officer, reiterated the bank’s dedication to SME development:
“At Fidelity Bank, we see SMEs as the backbone of our economy and the drivers of innovation, resilience, and inclusive growth. Through the Fidelity SME Empowerment Program (FSEP), we are empowering 100 entrepreneurs with the tools, training, and support they need to succeed in today’s digital landscape.”
Under this initiative, beneficiaries will receive a fully installed POS desktop system, ERPRev business software, a receipt printer and barcode scanner, inventory data input support, financial and bookkeeping training, branding and onboarding support, six months of post-installation monitoring, and a free Fidelity POS device with instant settlement capability.
The three-day program features intensive training sessions, masterclasses, and networking opportunities aimed at inspiring innovation, fostering partnerships, and opening new market opportunities.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Adaonah Kene-Uyawune, CEO of Manmark – Fidelity Bank’s strategic partner, described the project as transformative:
“This initiative replaces manual bookkeeping with a unified system that streamlines accounting, inventory, HR, and profitability tracking. These tools are not mere handouts—they are critical instruments for long-term business success.”
According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, SMEs constitute 96% of businesses in Nigeria, employ over 80% of the workforce, and contribute nearly 50% of the national GDP. Despite this significance, many SMEs still operate manually, affecting efficiency and access to finance.
Fidelity Bank’s intervention is thus both timely and strategic, providing SMEs with essential digital solutions to streamline operations, enhance transparency, and unlock new growth avenues.
Ranked among Nigeria’s leading banks, Fidelity Bank Plc serves over 9.1 million customers through its digital channels, 255 business offices nationwide, and its United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The bank has received multiple local and international awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay 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, it was named Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by Euromoney Awards for Excellence and Export Financing Bank of the Year by BusinessDay BAFI Awards.
