Fidelity Bank Plc has begun the disbursement of the Federal Government of Nigeria’s (FGN) MSME Intervention Funds, administered by the Bank of Industry (BOI), with a strategic emphasis on supporting women-owned businesses across the country.
The scheme, designed to provide affordable financing to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in all 36 states, aligns with Fidelity Bank’s longstanding commitment to inclusive economic growth and SME empowerment.
By prioritizing women entrepreneurs in this phase, the bank is underscoring the vital role of women-led enterprises in driving sustainable development, innovation, and job creation.
“As a bank deeply committed to the growth of SMEs, we are proud to partner with the Federal Government and the Bank of Industry on this critical intervention,” said Osita Ede, Divisional Head, Product Development at Fidelity Bank Plc. “For this phase, we are placing women at the forefront because we recognize their resilience, innovation, and pivotal contributions to wealth creation and employment generation in Nigeria.”
To ensure smooth implementation, Fidelity Bank has set up a robust framework leveraging its 255 business offices nationwide, digital banking platforms, and experienced relationship managers to reach entrepreneurs in both urban and rural areas.
The bank’s role in the intervention complements its recent initiatives in the SME sector. In June, Fidelity launched the Fidelity SME Empowerment Programme (FSEP) at its Gbagada SME Hub in Lagos, providing 100 growth-ready SMEs with ERPRev-enabled POS systems, business software, inventory support, branding training, and post-installation monitoring at no cost.
Earlier in May 2025, Fidelity also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to deliver SME-friendly financing, capacity-building support, and expanded market access.
“Our vision goes beyond financing. We are building an ecosystem of support for SMEs by offering capacity-building programs, mentorship opportunities, and market access,” Ede added. “Women entrepreneurs, in particular, will benefit from a larger share of the fund as part of our broader strategy to promote gender inclusion.”
With the intervention fund, Fidelity Bank aims to expand access to affordable financing and deepen its impact on Nigeria’s MSME ecosystem, fostering resilience, sustainable growth, and employment opportunities nationwide.
Ranked among Nigeria’s leading commercial banks, Fidelity Bank serves over 9.1 million customers through its digital platforms, branch network, and UK subsidiary. The bank has won multiple awards in recognition of its contributions to digital transformation and SME support, including “Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria” by Euromoney Awards for Excellence.
