Fidelity Bank hosts export financing panel to boost Nigeria’s trade
Fidelity Bank Plc has revealed its intention to host a high-level discussion on export financing aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s involvement in global commerce.The event, set for September 19, will occur at the Fidelity Nigeria International Trade and Creative Connect in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
In a statement made on Sunday, the bank mentioned that the discussions will revolve around the topic, “Financing for Scale – Unlocking Capital for Global Export Competitiveness.”
Fidelity Bank emphasized that the event will bring together prominent executives and thought leaders from Nigeria’s financial and entrepreneurial communities.
The panel will feature notable figures from Nigeria’s financial and business sectors, including the chairman of Fidelity Bank and seasoned investment banker, Mustafa Chike-Obi; the group CEO of Sunbeth Global Concept Nigeria Limited, Olasunkanmi Owoyemi; Efe Ukala, who is the founder of ImpactHer and a supporter of women-led businesses; and Abba Bello, the managing director of the Nigeria Export-Import Bank.
Fidelity pointed out that the FNITCC serves as a platform to boost Nigeria’s presence and competitiveness in international trade.
“The inaugural edition in London, held in 2022, showcased over 100 Nigerian exhibitors and 90 speakers, drawing in more than 1,000 visitors daily and resulting in transactions valued at approximately $200 million,” the bank stated.
“The 2023 edition in Houston facilitated the participation of over 160 businesses and finalized a $40 million pre-export finance deal for cocoa in collaboration with Afreximbank and JohnVents Industries.
“The 2025 edition, organized in collaboration with AFRICON, will take place from September 18 to 20 at the Omni Atlanta Hotel, Centennial Park, Georgia.
“It is anticipated to attract upwards of 3,000 participants and generate over $400 million in trade, investment, and partnership agreements.”
Regarding the event, Isaiah Ndukwe, the divisional head of Agric and Exports at Fidelity Bank, stated, “Securing the right type of funding is akin to sowing seeds for growth.”
“Without financial access, even the most exceptional businesses and creative brands will find it challenging to scale, compete, and maintain their presence in international markets,” Ndukwe expressed.
The agric and export expert highlighted that the panel will examine financing models for small and medium enterprises and exporters, evaluate the contribution of development finance institutions and commercial banks, discuss strategies to mitigate risks for export enterprises, and showcase opportunities for investments from the diaspora.
“Events such as these illustrate that focused market access, combined with financial support, can propel Nigerian brands onto the global platform, resulting in job creation, income generation, and international acknowledgment,” Ndukwe concluded.
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