Fidelity Bank Plc will highlight the role of financial technology in strengthening trade between the United States and Africa at its upcoming Fidelity Nigeria International Trade and Creative Connect (FNITCC) in Atlanta, USA.
The bank announced it will host a panel session titled “Digital Railroads: Powering U.S.–Africa Commerce Through Fintech”, which will examine how digital finance is transforming cross-border trade through seamless payments, wider access to finance, and enhanced financial inclusion.
The panel will feature prominent industry leaders, including former Central Bank of Nigeria Deputy Governor Aisha Ahmad, Payaza Africa founder Seyi Ebenezer, and Sawport CEO Charles Oligbo.
Isaiah Ndukwe, Divisional Head of Agriculture and Exports at Fidelity Bank, said fintech is essential to unlocking Africa’s trade potential under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which is expected to boost intra-African trade by over 50% by 2030.
“Challenges such as fragmented payment systems, currency conversion, and limited trade finance remain major obstacles,” Ndukwe noted. “Fintechs are uniquely positioned to bridge these gaps through low-cost cross-border payments, SME financing, digital identities for exporters, and facilitating diaspora remittances and investments.”
FNITCC Atlanta, organized in partnership with AFRICON, is expected to attract more than 3,000 participants, including investors, trade agencies, exporters, and diaspora professionals. The event projects trade and investment deals worth over $400 million.
According to the African Development Bank, Africa’s fintech revenues are forecast to reach $30 billion by 2025, underscoring digital finance’s growing influence on global trade and economic integration.
