The award, presented in conjunction with the 18th Edition of the Connected Banking Summit – West Africa, recognises the bank’s commitment to fostering financial inclusion, driving innovation, and supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of Ghana’s economy.
SMEs contribute more than 70 per cent of Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employ millions of people.
However, many face challenges related to financing, access to markets, and capacity development.
“Fidelity Bank’s recognition reflects its dedication to addressing these challenges through a multi-pronged approach,” a press release issued to the Ghana News Agency, said in Accra.
Mr Julian Opuni, Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Ghana, expressed appreciation for the recognition, stating that the award affirmed the bank’s efforts in SME development.
He explained: “SMEs are the lifeblood of our economy, contributing over 70% of Ghana’s GDP and employing millions.
“At Fidelity Bank, we recognise that their success is our success. This award validates our relentless pursuit to provide not just financial solutions, but holistic support through strategic partnerships, capacity building, and innovative platforms.
“We are committed to creating and supporting sustainable businesses whose ripple effects—job creation, community development, and economic resilience—will propel Ghana forward.”
He emphasised that the award was a stepping stone for even greater efforts.
“This award is not an endpoint but a milestone. We will continue to innovate, collaborate, and invest in SMEs—because when they thrive, Ghana thrives,” he explained.
At the heart of Fidelity Bank’s success in SME banking is a range of innovative initiatives aimed at empowering businesses.
Through the Fidelity Young Entrepreneurs Initiative (FYEI), the bank has provided numerous startups and existing businesses with affordable financing, mentorship, technical support, and access to market programmes.
Businesses under this initiative benefit from a competitive interest rate of 10%, making credit more accessible to young entrepreneurs.
“Over the past five years, FYEI has gone beyond financial support to facilitate knowledge-sharing forums and summits, where industry experts, entrepreneurs, and business executives exchange ideas on fostering business growth and resilience,” the release said.
“In a bid to support innovation in the agricultural sector, Fidelity Bank’s Green Tech Innovation Challenge has awarded more than GHS 1.4 million to 17 agritech businesses tackling pressing challenges in Ghana’s agricultural landscape.”
Additionally, it said, the bank had taken major strides in expanding the reach of SMEs through its partnership with Proxtera, launching the Ghana Integrated Financial Ecosystem (GIFE) Platform.
This initiative provides SMEs with enhanced access to finance, expands their customer reach, and equips them with essential business skills to compete in both local and international markets.
“Beyond financial services, Fidelity Bank has been instrumental in supporting Ghanaian businesses in the export sector.
“Through the Fidelity Export Club, over 400 exporters and farmers have benefitted from a comprehensive export value proposition, educational seminars on sustainable trade practices, and participation in global trade fairs.”
Furthermore, the BRIDGE-in-Agriculture (BiA) initiative, launched in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, had played a crucial role in bridging the funding gap in the agricultural sector, the release said.
“Since its inception, BiA has disbursed GH¢47.97 million in funding to SMEs and smallholder farmers, impacting 11,000 smallholder farmers across Ghana. “The initiative has also led to the creation of 1,790 new jobs and sustained 3,209 existing ones, with over 41 per cent of beneficiaries being women.
“With Ghana’s SME sector employing over 80 per cent of the workforce, Fidelity Bank’s multi-faceted approach addresses the financial and structural barriers SMEs face. These efforts align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically: SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.
“By continuously innovating and strengthening its SME support structures, Fidelity Bank Ghana remains a key driver of economic transformation, ensuring that small businesses thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
GNA
