By JKNewsMedia
MOMENTUM IN Nigeria’s diversification efforts continues to build as private-sector initiatives complement government-led programmes aimed at reducing reliance on crude oil.
In this landscape, Fidelity Bank Plc said it has reinforced its role in promoting non-oil exports through its flagship platform, the Fidelity Nigeria International Trade & Creative Connect (FNITCC), which links Nigerian exporters with international buyers, diaspora markets, and global investors.
The bank noted in a statement that FNITCC was established to expand opportunities for local enterprises in agriculture, manufacturing, creative industries, and services.
By creating structured access to global markets, the platform seeks to generate foreign exchange inflows and strengthen the country’s non-oil export base.
According to the bank, the initiative began in London in November 2022, with more than 100 exhibitors and 90 speakers drawing over 1,000 daily attendees.
The event also generated trade and investment deals estimated at $250 million, demonstrating the potential of Nigerian businesses when supported with exposure and institutional backing.
A second edition followed in Houston, Texas in October 2023, bringing together more than 160 Nigerian and U.S.-based companies across commodities, agriculture, fashion, fintech, and creative services.
Fidelity also highlighted the conclusion of a $40 million pre-export finance facility in favour of JohnVents Industries, arranged by Afreximbank with Fidelity Bank as the local administrative agent.
The bank further noted that this outcome reflected the value of linking trade promotion with finance to deliver measurable results for exporters.
This month, the platform will move to Atlanta, Georgia, from 18 to 20 September 2025, the bank said.
It also explained that Atlanta was selected for its role as a hub for Black entrepreneurship, diaspora investment, and cultural exchange in the United States.
The bank added that it is partnering with Amplify Africa, organisers of AFRICON, to expand the reach of this year’s edition.
“As part of our commitment to developing platforms that promote economic growth, creativity, and sustainable trade both within Nigeria and internationally, we are pleased to announce the third edition of FNITCC,” said Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank.
“Since 2022, when we hosted the inaugural edition, the FNITCC expo has been at the heart of driving global market access for local businesses, and I am delighted that this year we will be in the city of Atlanta, USA.”
Fidelity reported that between the London and Houston editions, FNITCC generated a consolidated deal pipeline of over $500 million.
For Nigeria, where non-oil exports stand at under $5 billion annually, the bank noted that this represented a significant achievement in demonstrating how structured, private-led platforms could advance the national diversification agenda.
It noted that the Atlanta edition is expected to attract more than 3,000 participants, including exporters, U.S. buyers, investors, policymakers, multinational corporations, and development finance institutions.
According to the bank, programming will feature B2B matchmaking sessions, diaspora investment roundtables, policy dialogues, and sector-specific workshops covering agriculture, consumer goods, energy transition minerals, fashion, beauty, and creative services.
Fidelity emphasised that FNITCC provides exporters with more than exposure by connecting them directly to finance, regulators, and global buyers.
The bank explained that this integrated approach helps Nigerian businesses overcome ecosystem gaps that typically constrain their ability to scale into foreign markets.
Onyeali-Ikpe earlier stated: “Since 2022 when we hosted the maiden edition, FNITCC has evolved beyond a platform for promoting Nigeria’s non-oil exports to become a veritable showcase of the immense value Nigeria has to offer the global market.”
The bank said it positioned FNITCC as a long-term contribution to Nigeria’s economic diversification, aligning with wider government policies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria’s RT200 programme and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council’s export incentives.
It added that the platform not only showcases agricultural and manufactured goods but also provides space for Nigeria’s growing creative economy, including fashion, cosmetics, fintech, art, and performance.
According to the bank, FNITCC represents a deliberate attempt to strengthen small businesses, deepen financial inclusion, and project Nigerian enterprise on the global stage.
By bridging the gap between policy, finance, and trade, the initiative continues to expand market opportunities while reinforcing the role of non-oil exports in building a more resilient economy, the bank affirmed.
