Fidelity Bank Ghana has hosted its annual Orange Summit, emphasising commitment to nurturing future-ready businesses through its comprehensive Young Entrepreneurs Initiative (FYEI).
Under the theme: “Smart Business, Smarter Future”, the forum featured discussions on how AI and smart technologies can drive innovation, strengthen governance, improve financial literacy, and equip entrepreneurs to adapt to changing market realities.
The Orange Summit, organised in collaboration with strategic partners, serves as the cornerstone of FYEI, which includes the Fidelity Young Entrepreneurs Fund (FYEF) and Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF).
A release copied to Ghana News Agency said the event brought together more than 100 participants including young business owners, investors, policymakers, and development partners.
Participants shared insights on innovation, governance, and resilience, equipping young entrepreneurs with the tools to innovate, compete, and build resilient ventures in a rapidly digitising economy.
Speaking at the gathering, Nana Yaa Afriyie Ofori-Koree, Head of Partnerships, Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at Fidelity Bank, highlighted the impact of the Orange Corners Innovation Fund since its inception.
“OCIF is first a funding programme but more importantly, it’s a catalyst for transformation,” she stated.
“Since its launch in 2021, at the height of the pandemic, the initiative has supported over 112 entrepreneurs across agribusiness, fashion, technology, and the creative industries,” she stated.
With a total fund size of GHS 14.3 million, the programme has disbursed GHS 22.3 million through its revolving mechanism, with GHS 7.1 million actively working in the economy, the Bank noted.
“Collectively, our entrepreneurs have created over 1,000 jobs, expanded production, and built sustainable businesses with visible results,” it added.
Ms Ofori-Koree reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to expanding the FYEI.
She highlighted Fidelity’s women-focused entrepreneurship interventions with ACCION and the Coca-Cola Foundation, and ongoing collaborations with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, RVO, and other partners to scale OCIF’s impact through to 2030 and beyond.
Mr Jeroen Verheul, the Dutch Ambassador to Ghana, described the success of OCIF as a direct result of strong, sustained partnerships.
“Our partnership with Fidelity Bank has grown into something deeply rooted in Ghanaian soil,” he remarked.
“We see ourselves as planting a seed that is cared for by Ghanaian institutions and people, and that will grow into a strong Ghanaian tree,” he noted.
Mr Verheul added that the training and financing provided were crucial as global problems required decisive action of the private sector and the government.
The event celebrated outstanding achievements within the FYEI ecosystem, as 10 exceptional entrepreneurs were honoured with citations for excellence, resilience, and innovation.
One of the awardees, Mr Gideon Dendzo, Founder and Team Lead of Giddins Ghana Ltd, stated: “OCIF believed in us, and that belief became the seed of transformation.
“We have created jobs, trained young women, expanded production, and taken Ghanaian-made products to the global market.
“This recognition reminds us that the model works and with greater support, we can do even more.”
Mr Dominic Naab, Ghana Revenue Authority official, shared insights into Ghana’s tax regime and how young businesses can structure operations for long-term financial growth.
The Orange Summit continues to serve as a platform where insights, experiences, and solutions converge to empower Ghana’s next generation of business leaders.
