Reaffirms Commitment to Women Entrepreneurs
Fidelity Bank Plc has commenced the disbursement of the Federal Government of Nigeria’s (FGN) MSME Intervention Fund to qualified small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the country, with a special focus on empowering women-owned businesses.
The intervention fund—administered by the Bank of Industry (BOI)—is designed to provide affordable financing to micro, small, and medium enterprises across all 36 states of the federation. The initiative aligns with Fidelity Bank’s long-standing commitment to inclusive economic growth and its position as one of Nigeria’s foremost supporters of SME development.
Speaking on the development, Mr. Osita Ede, Divisional Head, Product Development at Fidelity Bank, said the bank’s participation underscores its dedication to the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s SME sector.
“As a bank deeply committed to SME development, we are proud to partner with the Federal Government and the Bank of Industry on this critical intervention. For this phase, we are placing women entrepreneurs at the forefront because we recognize their resilience, innovation, and pivotal contributions to wealth creation and employment generation in Nigeria,” Ede stated.
Fidelity Bank has established a robust structure to ensure smooth onboarding and disbursement processes. Leveraging its extensive branch network, digital banking platforms, and experienced relationship managers, the bank aims to reach entrepreneurs in both urban and rural communities.
The bank’s participation in the FGN MSME Intervention Fund builds on its track record as a leading financial partner for small businesses. Earlier this year, Fidelity launched the Fidelity SME Empowerment Programme (FSEP) at its Gbagada SME Hub in Lagos, equipping 100 growth-ready SMEs with POS systems, business management software, training, and post-installation support—all at no cost.
In May 2025, the bank also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to deliver low-interest financing, capacity-building, and market access to SMEs under the partnership.
“Our vision goes beyond financing,” Ede added. “We are building an ecosystem of support for SMEs through capacity-building programs, mentorship opportunities, and market linkages. Women entrepreneurs, in particular, will receive a significant share of the fund as part of our broader strategy to promote gender inclusion.”
Through the FGN MSME Intervention Fund, Fidelity Bank seeks to expand access to affordable credit and strategic support for entrepreneurs, thereby deepening its impact on Nigeria’s MSME ecosystem and contributing to sustainable growth, job creation, and economic resilience nationwide.
Ranked among Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, Fidelity Bank serves over 9.1 million customers through its 255 business offices and digital channels, as well as 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 (BusinessDay BAFI Awards), Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application (Global Business Outlook), and Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria (Euromoney Awards for Excellence).
