Over 1,000 jobs created through Fidelity’s Young Entrepreneurs Initiative as partners pledge long-term support
Fidelity Bank Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Ghana’s youth-led enterprises through innovation, technology, and strategic partnerships at its flagship Orange Summit 2025, held under the theme “Smart Business, Smarter Future.”
The annual summit, a key feature of the Fidelity Young Entrepreneurs Initiative (FYEI), brought together over 100 entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and development partners to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and smart technologies can transform business operations, strengthen governance, and enhance financial resilience.
A Catalyst for Youth-Led Transformation
Speaking at the event, Nana Yaa Afriyie Ofori-Koree, Head of Partnerships, Sustainability and CSR at Fidelity Bank, underscored the transformative impact of the Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF)—a core component of FYEI.
“OCIF is not just about funding; it’s about catalysing transformation,” she said. “Since its launch in 2021, it has empowered over 112 entrepreneurs across diverse sectors, disbursing over GHS 22.3 million in revolving funds and creating more than 1,000 jobs nationwide.”
She added that the bank remains committed to expanding the initiative, highlighting collaborations with ACCION, the Coca-Cola Foundation, and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to deepen impact through 2030 and beyond.
Partners Laud Ghanaian Innovation
Dutch Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Jeroen Verheul, praised the OCIF model as an example of impactful international partnership rooted in local ownership.
“Our partnership with Fidelity Bank has grown into something deeply rooted in Ghanaian soil,” he remarked. “We see it as a seed nurtured by Ghanaian institutions and people—growing into a strong Ghanaian tree.”
He emphasised the importance of empowering entrepreneurs to respond to global challenges, noting that both the private sector and government must act decisively to drive sustainable development.
Celebrating Excellence and Resilience
The summit also honoured 10 outstanding entrepreneurs within the FYEI ecosystem for excellence, innovation, and resilience.
Among them was Mr. Gideon Dendzo, Founder of Giddins Ghana Ltd, who shared his success story:
“OCIF believed in us when others didn’t. That belief became the seed of transformation—we’ve created jobs, trained young women, and expanded Ghanaian products to global markets.”
Building a Smarter Future for Business
Experts, including Mr. Dominic Naab from the Ghana Revenue Authority, provided insights on tax planning and compliance to help startups build financially sustainable businesses.
The Orange Summit continues to be a platform for knowledge exchange, partnership building, and policy dialogue—empowering Ghana’s next generation of entrepreneurs to innovate boldly and build businesses that can thrive in a rapidly digitising global economy.
