Access to production facilities, business development support and international markets featured in Fidelity Bank’s efforts to help creative entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses at the CANEX WKND 2026 in Lagos.

The bank presented its support model at the four-day event, held from November 5 to 8 at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, where creative entrepreneurs, investors and industry stakeholders examined opportunities in Africa’s creative industries.

Speaking at the event, Fidelity Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, said creative talent needed financial capital, business infrastructure, skills development and market connections to translate into sustainable enterprises.

She said support for the sector should extend beyond conventional funding to include investment in human capital, access to productive tools and equipment, networks and customers, as well as the institutional structures required to run viable businesses.

A major part of the bank’s presentation was CreatiVerse, its creative enterprise initiative at the Fidelity SME Hub in Gbagada, Lagos. The facility provides access to music, photography, podcast and content production studios, alongside training, learning and business development opportunities.

The bank also organised a masterclass through its SME Banking team, themed “Beyond Funding: Building the Infrastructure for Africa’s Creative Economy,” which attracted more than 120 participants.

Discussions focused on challenges facing creative businesses, including access to finance, production infrastructure, skills development, market access and long-term sustainability.

At the Fidelity CreatiVerse Pavilion, visitors also experienced displays of Nigerian creativity through fashion brands OHIOLE LAGOS and SuperDiva by Valerie, as well as works by visual artists Emmanuel Anaiye Ifebunmi and Donald Onuoha.

Financial experts at the pavilion provided information on SME financing, digital payments, cards, trade and export solutions, account opening and other banking services.

Fidelity Bank also highlighted its trade and export banking services and the Fidelity Nigeria International Trade and Creative Connect (FNITCC), an initiative designed to link Nigerian businesses with international buyers, investors and strategic partners.

The bank’s participation as an Official Trade Partner at CANEX WKND 2026 formed part of its approach to supporting creative enterprises through finance, infrastructure, capacity development and access to wider markets.