By Ajibola Olaide, JKNewsMedia Reporter
RECOGNIZING THE growing need for women entrepreneurs to adapt to modern technological advancements, Fidelity Bank Plc has partnered with ImpactHER to provide free training on digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills.
This initiative, aimed at empowering women in business, took place from August 19 to August 23, 2024, and successfully trained 1,276 participants.
Addressing the importance of this training, Osita Ede, Divisional Head of Product Development at Fidelity Bank Plc, emphasized the critical role that women-led businesses play in Nigeria’s economy.
He noted, “Women-led small businesses account for over 40% of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria, making their success pivotal to economic growth.”
The training covered a range of topics designed to help entrepreneurs leverage technology in their business operations.
Participants learned about email marketing, AI-driven content creation, and branding strategies, all aimed at enhancing their business efficiency and market positioning.
Efe Ukala, Founder of ImpactHER, underscored the importance of closing the digital gap for African women, pointing out that they are significantly less likely to utilize digital technology compared to their male counterparts.
She stated, “Equipping African women with digital skills is not just a necessity; it’s a pathway to economic prosperity. Data indicates that closing the e-commerce digital gap could add $180 billion to Africa’s GDP by 2025.”
The collaboration between Fidelity Bank and ImpactHER reflects a shared commitment to providing accessible, high-quality training to women entrepreneurs, thereby fostering economic growth.
The success of this programme, which has now trained a total of 5,719 women under this partnership, sets the stage for further initiatives aimed at empowering women across Nigeria.
Fidelity Bank continues to support small businesses through various initiatives, reinforcing its position as one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, with a reputation for excellence in service delivery and support for SMEs.