In a bold move to accelerate digital transformation among small businesses, Fidelity Bank Plc has unveiled a new initiative aimed at equipping 100 Nigerian SMEs with fully integrated business management systems completely free of charge.
The announcement came during the Fidelity SME Empowerment Program 2025, held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at the bank’s SME Hub in Gbagada, Lagos. The event brought together a diverse mix of entrepreneurs, business stakeholders, and tech innovators in a bid to reshape how small businesses operate in Nigeria’s dynamic economy.
Delivering the welcome address, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director/CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc—represented by Mr. Stanley Amuchie, Executive Director/Chief Operations and Information Officer—reaffirmed the bank’s unwavering commitment to SMEs:
“At Fidelity Bank, we see SMEs not only as the backbone of our economy but as the drivers of innovation, resilience, and inclusive prosperity. Through this program, we are empowering 100 entrepreneurs with the digital tools and training they need to compete and grow in today’s technology-driven marketplace.”
What Beneficiaries Receive
Each of the 100 selected businesses will be equipped with a robust suite of tools and services, including:
A fully-installed ERPRev-enabled POS desktop system
Receipt printer and barcode scanner
ERPRev business management software
Initial inventory data input and configuration
Bookkeeping and financial management training
Branding and onboarding support
Six-months post-installation business monitoring
A free Fidelity POS with instant settlement capability
The three-day program also features intensive masterclasses, expert-led workshops, and networking sessions designed to open new markets and foster collaboration among entrepreneurs.
Why It Matters
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, SMEs account for 96% of all businesses in Nigeria, employ over 80% of the labor force, and contribute close to 50% of the country’s GDP. Yet, a significant number of these businesses still operate with outdated, manual systems that slow growth and limit access to funding.
Mrs. Adaonah Kene-Uyawaune, CEO of Manmark—Fidelity’s strategic partner on the project—highlighted the transformational impact of the initiative:
“This is more than a donation—it’s an investment in the long-term success of Nigerian businesses. The ERPRev platform integrates accounting, HR, inventory, and performance analytics into a single tool. It’s a game-changer for SMEs trying to scale sustainably.”
A Timely and Strategic Intervention
As Nigeria’s economy faces increasing demand for innovation and transparency, Fidelity Bank’s initiative is both timely and strategic. By eliminating barriers to digital adoption, the bank is helping small businesses become more efficient, more bankable, and better equipped to compete globally.
For entrepreneurs ready to transition from manual operations to smart business systems, this program offers a rare and powerful opportunity.
