By Sodeinde Temidayo David
Fidelity Bank Plc is set to promote Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) capacity in the non-oil exports sector in a bid to promote its resolve to help Nigerian businesses build sustainable export capabilities.
This is coming as the leading Nigerian lender is set to host the 11th and 12th editions of its highly acclaimed Export Management Programme (EMP).
The EMP was launched in 2016 and is targeted at preparing participants for real-time experiences in the international non-oil export markets and the broader export market at large.
The session of the event is set to typically cover a wide range of topics including export documentation, selection and implementation of supply chain management for exports, application of export development business processes amongst others.
Speaking on the programme, the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Mrs Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, noted that as a leading supporter of small businesses, the EMP was introduced to bridge the knowledge gap in the export business locally and to help participants to compete effectively in the global export market.
The 11th edition of the EMP is scheduled to hold at the Lagos Business School (LBS), Lekki, Lagos between October 4 and 8, 2021.
Following the success of previous editions and the yearnings of potential participants, the bank has also decided to host an edition of the training in Kano for those who would miss the Lagos session.
Tagged EMP 12, this is set to hold in Kano from October 11 to 15, 2021, at a venue in the state in which the bank has promised will soon be announced.
The sessions would be facilitated by leading faculty from LBS, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) staff as well as experts in financial management and exports.
Interested participants are expected to register on the bank’s web platform.
According to Mrs Onyeali-Ikpe, the EMP was set up given the immense benefits that the non-oil sector provides to the economy and the nation in terms of providing much needed foreign exchange investments, increasing our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employment generation.
She further expressed that the company enjoys hosting the EMP as interested entrepreneurs take advantage of the initiative and take their business to the next level.
Fidelity Bank has over the years demonstrated its resolve to grow the non-oil export side of the economy through strategic initiatives and partnerships.
The bank has also successfully leveraged strategic partnerships with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) under various industry targeted intervention funding programmes.
This is to enhance access to credit for eligible players in the agribusiness and non-oil exports space with the aim of addressing food security gaps and enhancing foreign exchange earnings.
