Fidelity Bank Trains Exporters on AfCFTA Opportunities Through Export Management Programme

Fidelity Bank Trains Exporters on AfCFTA Opportunities Through Export Management Programme

LAGOS, Nigeria – Fidelity Bank Plc has reinforced its commitment to Nigeria’s economic diversification and non-oil export growth agenda by empowering exporters and entrepreneurs with practical skills to take advantage of opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The bank made this known during the 19th edition of its Export Management Programme (EMP 19), held recently at Lagos Business School (LBS), Ajah, Lagos. The programme, organized in partnership with Lagos Business School and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), brought together entrepreneurs, professionals, regulators, and aspiring exporters for intensive training on export management and international trade.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Divisional Head of Export and Agriculture at Fidelity Bank, Isaiah Ndukwe, said the financial institution remains committed to equipping Nigerian businesses with the capacity needed to compete effectively in regional and global markets.

According to him, capacity building remains a critical factor in unlocking Nigeria’s export potential and expanding the country’s non-oil export earnings.

“At Fidelity Bank, we recognize that capacity building is critical to unlocking Nigeria’s export potential. Through the Export Management Programme, we are equipping businesses with practical knowledge, market intelligence, and strategic insights required to compete successfully in regional and global markets,” Ndukwe stated.

He noted that the implementation of AfCFTA presents significant opportunities for Nigerian exporters, adding that the bank is focused on ensuring local businesses are adequately prepared to take advantage of the expanded African market.

“As AfCFTA continues to open new frontiers for trade across Africa, our goal is to ensure that Nigerian exporters are adequately prepared to seize these opportunities and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic diversification agenda,” he added.

Ndukwe further emphasized that Fidelity Bank would continue to provide exporters with financial solutions, advisory services, and strategic partnerships to support their expansion beyond Nigeria’s borders.

Also speaking, the Director of the Export Management Programme at Lagos Business School, Professor Frank Ojadi, underscored the importance of continuous learning and capacity development in the ever-evolving export sector.

“The export market is always evolving. There are changes in policies, improvements in processes, and increasing interest from businesses. These developments make it necessary to build the capabilities of our people to compete effectively in export markets,” Ojadi said.

He explained that this year’s programme placed considerable emphasis on AfCFTA, exposing participants to both the theoretical and practical aspects of leveraging the continental trade agreement for business growth.

“Many businesses are still learning how to take advantage of AfCFTA. Through this programme, participants gained practical insights that will help them navigate opportunities across African markets and beyond,” he noted.

In his presentation, Dr. Uche Attoh, Senior Fellow and Head of the Department of Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources Management at Lagos Business School, highlighted the importance of negotiation and dispute resolution mechanisms in international trade.

“It is negotiation that enables businesses to establish deals, while arbitration helps resolve disputes when they arise. Once participants understand the principles, they can apply them in any business environment, whether in Africa, Europe, or America,” Attoh said.

Participants described the programme as impactful and transformative.

Assistant Director at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Obinna Oforum, said the training further strengthened his determination to become an “export champion,” while Chief Superintendent of Customs, Orji Samuel, commended Fidelity Bank and Lagos Business School for making the programme accessible and practical for participants.

Samuel noted that the knowledge acquired would help participants overcome export-related challenges and unlock new opportunities in international trade.

The Export Management Programme is Fidelity Bank’s flagship capacity-building initiative designed to develop export-ready businesses and professionals capable of driving Nigeria’s non-oil export growth. Through strategic collaborations and targeted interventions, the bank continues to support trade facilitation, business expansion, and sustainable economic development.

Fidelity Bank serves over 10 million customers through its digital banking platforms, 255 business offices across Nigeria, and its United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The bank has received several local and international recognitions, including the 2025 Development Bank of Nigeria Innovation Award for MSME support, Best Retail and SME Bank Award by Independent Newspapers, Best Bank for Export and Trade Finance at the 2025 BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions Awards, and Nigeria’s Best Private Bank at the 2025 Euromoney Awards. It has also been recognized for excellence in community empowerment, innovation, and banking operations by several industry bodies.