The Mayor of Atlanta, Andre Dickens, has commended Fidelity Bank Plc for hosting the 2025 Fidelity Nigeria International Trade and Creative Connect (FNITCC), describing the conference as a vital bridge linking African entrepreneurs with global markets.
Held over the weekend in Atlanta, Georgia, the event attracted business leaders, investors, policymakers, and creative professionals from both Nigeria and the United States. The conference showcased Nigeria’s growing non-oil export potential and highlighted opportunities for collaboration between Africa’s largest economy and one of America’s most dynamic cities.
Fidelity Bank Reaffirms Commitment to Global Competitiveness
Speaking at the event, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to helping Nigerian businesses expand globally.
She explained that FNITCC was born out of Fidelity Bank’s strategic goal to transform Nigeria into a diversified, export-driven economy. “Our journey began by empowering small and medium-scale exporters through capacity-building programs in partnership with the Lagos Business School,” she said. “Once they gained the right skills and knowledge, we created this international platform to connect them directly with global buyers. FNITCC is not just an event—it is a movement to position Nigerian businesses for global relevance.”
Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe noted that the bank’s consistent investment in non-oil sectors, particularly agriculture and creative industries, is yielding results. Fidelity Bank, she said, has emerged as Nigeria’s leading financier of non-oil agricultural exports, facilitating partnerships that strengthen the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
She also encouraged participants to take advantage of the event’s sideline sessions, which featured representatives from Nigerian and U.S. regulatory agencies discussing trade compliance, logistics, and financing opportunities.
Atlanta and Lagos Explore Sister-City Partnership
The conference also featured a high-level delegation from Lagos State, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who used the platform to promote the state as a prime destination for investment.
Governor Sanwo-Olu proposed a sister-city partnership between Lagos and Atlanta to deepen trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. “Lagos is open for business,” he declared. “We want to build partnerships that go beyond trade—collaborations that drive innovation, create jobs, and enhance the prosperity of our people.”
In his address, Mayor Andre Dickens praised the collaboration between both cities and highlighted their shared legacies. “Atlanta and Africa are bound by history, creativity, and resilience,” Dickens said. “This conference brings together leaders who are ready to shape the next phase of global business cooperation. From logistics and finance to technology and the creative industries, our similarities are opportunities waiting to be harnessed.”
He also recognized Fidelity Bank’s leadership role in organizing a platform that promotes cross-continental collaboration and strengthens the link between African entrepreneurs and U.S. investors.
FNITCC 2025: Showcasing Nigeria’s Non-Oil Export Strength
Now in its third year, FNITCC has grown into one of Nigeria’s most influential trade promotion events. The 2025 edition featured exhibitions, deal rooms, networking sessions, and a gala dinner that celebrated business partnerships forged during the conference.
Discussions focused on expanding Nigeria’s export reach in the agriculture, fashion, film, and technology sectors, as well as on improving access to U.S. markets through innovative financing and digital trade solutions.
Analysts noted that the event’s success reflects Fidelity Bank’s broader mission to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and promote sustainable economic diversification.
Fidelity Bank’s Growing Reputation
Fidelity Bank Plc currently serves over 9.1 million customers across 251 business offices and multiple digital platforms in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. The bank has consistently earned recognition for its innovation and customer-focused services.
Recent awards include the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation and MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay’s Banks and Financial Institutions Awards, the Most Innovative Mobile Banking App by Global Business Outlook, and Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by Euromoney Awards for Excellence.
Fidelity Bank was also named Export Financing Bank of the Year, underscoring its leadership in supporting Nigeria’s export-driven growth agenda.
The 2025 FNITCC has further solidified the bank’s reputation as a key enabler of trade, investment, and economic collaboration between Africa and the global business community.
