Fidelity Bank Plc has announced its role as an Official Trade Partner at CANEX WKND 2026, held from November 5 to 8 at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Lagos. The bank’s involvement is part of its ongoing commitment to fostering growth within Africa’s creative economy.
The four-day event convened creative entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, and various stakeholders to identify and explore opportunities within the continent’s evolving creative industries. Fidelity Bank highlighted the importance of integrating creative talent with essential resources such as finance, business infrastructure, digital solutions, and market access.
Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director and CEO of Fidelity Bank, emphasized the significance of developing sustainable creative enterprises. At the event, she stated, “Fidelity Bank is pleased to be here, as our participation reflects our commitment to growing Africa’s creative economy. Africa is blessed with extraordinary creative talent, but talent alone does not automatically translate into successful businesses.”
Onyeali-Ikpe noted that creative entrepreneurs require not just financial backing but a comprehensive support system. This includes investing in skills development, providing access to equipment and infrastructure, and facilitating connections with markets and networks. She also stressed the need for strengthening institutional capital to ensure long-term sustainability for creative ventures.
During the event, Fidelity showcased a vibrant array of Nigerian creativity at its CreatiVerse Pavilion, featuring fashion brands OHIOLE LAGOS and SuperDiva by Valerie, as well as works from visual artists Emmanuel Anaiye Ifebunmi and Donald Onuoha. The pavilion not only served as a platform for creative expression but also enabled business engagement, where bank representatives offered insights on SME financing, digital payments, and trade solutions.
A notable highlight was a masterclass led by Fidelity’s SME Banking team, titled “Beyond Funding: Building the Infrastructure for Africa’s Creative Economy.” This session attracted over 120 participants, bringing together professionals from the creative sector and banking to discuss key challenges such as access to finance, skills development, and long-term sustainability.
Central to Fidelity Bank’s support for creative entrepreneurs is its CreatiVerse initiative at the Fidelity SME Hub in Gbagada, Lagos. The facility encompasses music and photography studios, content production spaces, and opportunities for training and business development.
Additionally, Fidelity Bank is enhancing avenues for Nigerian businesses to enter international markets through its trade and export banking services, including the Fidelity Nigeria International Trade and Creative Connect (FNITCC). This initiative connects Nigerian enterprises with global buyers and partners, further solidifying the bank’s commitment to building a robust creative economy in Nigeria.
Fidelity Bank, one of Nigeria’s top banks, serves over 14 million customers through its various banking channels and has received numerous local and international awards for its services, including recognition for support of SMEs and innovation in banking.
