Fidelity Bank says its forthcoming Fidelity International Trade and Creative Connect (FNITCC) in Atlanta, Georgia, will project Nigeria’s non-oil exports, boost diaspora banking, and provide new opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Speaking on ARISE News, Executive Director, South, Fidelity Bank, Pamela Shodipo, said:
“In 2023 we held an event in Houston, Texas, and it was very successful in terms of creating visibility for Fidelity Bank as an export bank, projecting Nigeria as a country that’s into export — not only oil exports, but non-oil exports too. In 2024, we did not have an event because we focused more on recapitalisation. This year, 2025, we’re taking it to Atlanta, Georgia, and we believe that this event is going to be even better than before.”
Explaining why Atlanta was chosen, she said:
“For us as a bank, we believe that Atlanta has a huge Nigerian and African community that will be useful to the event. Secondly, Atlanta has a strong culture for driving trade and export, with world-class logistics infrastructure, airports and the Savannah seaport. Companies like Coca-Cola, Nestlé and Amazon are also strong there, and CNN is based there. We know Georgia is very strong when it comes to trade, and that was why we chose Atlanta.”
On what makes this year’s edition different, Shodipo revealed:
“We’re going to be partnering with a company called Amplify Africa, a Nigerian diaspora group with huge followership and knowledge of the Nigerian market. We’re expecting at least 3,000 people, and there will be strong government presence from both Nigeria and the United States. We have learnt from past mistakes, paid attention to detail, and we’re going to have plenary sessions, workshops, exhibition stands, a gala night, and even situations where exhibitors will be signing deals with market players.”
She added that the event would have significant economic and social impact:
“For the exhibitors, it’s going to help them scale up their business, gain more visibility, and increase revenues. We insist on quality products that showcase Nigeria to the world. For us as a bank, we are also focused on diaspora banking — at the event you’ll be able to open accounts, register your NIN, and connect with our export support services. We believe this will take Fidelity Bank to the next level as the bank that projects Nigeria in the export space.”
Highlighting the scope of the programme, she said:
“We have pitch panel sessions where businesses can attract investment of $10,000, $20,000 or more. We’ll have over 100 exhibition stands, cultural displays, and fashion shows for men, women and children. His Excellency, the Governor of Georgia, is going to grace the opening session, and there will be meetings with U.S. government officials. We are also working with partners like AfriExim, major export players in cocoa, sesame and soya bean, and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council led by Mrs Noye Ayane. This is not just fanfare; we are very serious about it.”
On the timing and logistics, she confirmed:
“The event is taking place at the Omni Hotel in Centennial Park, Atlanta, from the 18th to the 20th of September 2025. We look forward to welcoming Nigerians at home and in the diaspora. Even if you are on holiday, please feel free to attend. It’s going to be wonderful, and registration is free.”
Explaining why the bank is investing in FNITCC, Shodipo said:
“For us as a bank, one reason is SMEs. Most of the companies coming, especially in the fashion space, are SMEs, and this will help them move into the commercial space. We are also supporting export finance and diaspora banking. Many in the diaspora don’t have Nigerian accounts, and this gives them the opportunity. We also want to grow our export business — agriculture and even oil imports — because we want our country to be bigger than what it is. For us, it is strategic, to develop our products and ensure success.”
Boluwatife Enome
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