Fidelity Bank PLC has reiterated its commitment to fostering the growth of the African technology sector, emphasizing its potential to become a global tech hub. This declaration was made during the Africa Technology Expo (ATE 2024), held over the weekend at the Landmark Event Center in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The event, which attracted a wide array of African businesses and tech enthusiasts, served as a platform for showcasing innovation and creating opportunities within the competitive tech industry.
In her keynote address, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, OON, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, highlighted the bank’s digital-based retail banking strategy. This includes the creation of an SME business hub designed to facilitate networking and collaboration among startups, content creators, and other digital entrepreneurs.
“At Fidelity Bank, we believe that Africa can emerge as a hub of emerging technology,” Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe, represented by the bank’s Executive Director and Chief Risk Officer, Mr. Kevin Ugwuoke, stated. “We encourage stakeholders to address the main challenges facing tech startups: lack of investment and inadequate support. Our partnership with SPARK Africa and hosting of the African Technology Expo aims to provide a platform for startups to connect with investors and industry leaders, sparking Africa’s digital transformation.”
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Olatubosun Alake, emphasized the state’s support for the technology and innovation sectors, recognizing the vital role of tech startups in driving economic and social development.
Chief Innovation Officer of the Africa Technology Expo, Nnaemeka Clinton, praised the growth and innovation within the African tech industry. “From the tech landscape of the African continent to the bustling hubs of Accra and Lagos, we have witnessed relentless innovation shaping our future,” he said, acknowledging the challenges but highlighting the resilience and potential of African tech entrepreneurs.
Fidelity Bank, ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, serves over 8.3 million customers across 251 business offices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. The bank has received numerous accolades, including the Export Finance Bank of the Year at the 2023 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, Best Payment Solution Provider Nigeria 2023, Best SME Bank Nigeria 2022 by the Global Banking and Finance Awards, and Best Domestic Private Bank in Nigeria by the Euromoney Global Private Banking Awards 2023.