Fidelity Bank Supports Exporters in Leveraging AfCFTA Opportunities

Kayode Tokede

Fidelity Bank Plc reiterated its support for Nigeria’s economic diversification by hosting the 19th Export Management Programme (EMP) at the Lagos Business School (LBS).

Tagged “EMP 19,” the workshop was a hands‑on training event co‑organised by Fidelity Bank, LBS and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council. It brought together entrepreneurs, professionals, regulators and aspiring exporters for intensive sessions designed to give participants the knowledge, skills and networks needed to compete internationally.

At the closing ceremony, Isaiah Ndukwe, Divisional Head of Export and Agriculture at Fidelity Bank, said the bank remains focused on helping Nigerian businesses take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and broaden the country’s non‑oil export base.

“At Fidelity Bank, we recognise that capacity building is critical to unlocking Nigeria’s export potential. Through the Export Management Programme, we are equipping businesses with practical knowledge, market intelligence and strategic insights required to compete successfully in regional and global markets,” Ndukwe said.

“As AfCFTA continues to open new frontiers for trade across Africa, our goal is to ensure that Nigerian exporters are adequately prepared to seize these opportunities and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic diversification agenda,” he added.

Senior Fellow and Head of the Department of Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources Management at LBS, Dr. Uche Attoh, highlighted the importance of negotiation and dispute‑resolution skills in international trade.

“It is negotiation that enables businesses to establish deals, while arbitration helps resolve disputes when they arise. Once participants understand the principles, they can apply them in any business environment, whether in Africa, Europe or America,” Attoh said.

Chief Superintendent of Customs Orji Samuel praised Fidelity Bank and LBS for subsidising the programme and creating an enabling platform for practical learning, noting that the knowledge gained would help participants navigate export challenges and unlock new business opportunities.