Collins Sefa Young innovators boosted as FYEI impact surpasses GH¢22m in disbursements
Fidelity Bank Ghana has held its annual Orange Summit under the theme “Smart Business, Smarter Future,” reaffirming its commitment to integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and smart technologies into Ghana’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Held at The Palms by Eagles, the summit forms a core part of the bank’s Fidelity Young Entrepreneurs Initiative (FYEI), which includes the Fidelity Young Entrepreneurs Fund (FYEF) and the Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF).
The event convened more than 100 young entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and development partners to explore how innovation, governance, and digital transformation can help small businesses scale sustainably.
OCIF Impact: Over GH¢22.3m Disbursed, 1,000+ Jobs Created
Speaking at the summit, Nana Yaa Afriyie Ofori-Koree, Head of Partnerships, Sustainability and CSR at Fidelity Bank, highlighted the transformative impact of OCIF.
“OCIF is first a funding programme, but more importantly, a catalyst for transformation,” she said.
Since its 2021 launch, OCIF has:
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Supported 112 entrepreneurs across sectors including agribusiness, tech, fashion, and the creative arts
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Disbursed GH¢22.3 million through a revolving fund
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Maintained GH¢7.1 million still active in the economy
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Helped create over 1,000 jobs
Nana Yaa reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to scaling the initiative through 2030 and beyond, in partnership with ACCION, the Coca-Cola Foundation, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and RVO.
Dutch Ambassador Applauds Partnership
Dutch Ambassador H.E. Jeroen Verheul praised the OCIF collaboration as a model for sustainable development.
“Our partnership with Fidelity Bank has grown into something deeply rooted in Ghanaian soil,” he said. “The private sector must act decisively because governments alone cannot solve today’s global challenges.”
Entrepreneurs Honoured for Innovation and Resilience
Ten exceptional young business owners received citations for excellence.
Among them was Gideon Dendzo, Founder of Giddins Ghana Ltd, who shared how OCIF transformed his business.
“OCIF believed in us, and that belief became the seed of transformation,” he said, noting expansions in production, job creation, and international market access.
Focus on AI, Tax Compliance, and Governance
The event also featured practical insights on leveraging AI and digital tools, led by Edna Engmann, Head of Transformation Programs at Fidelity Bank.
Additionally, Mr. Dominic Naab from the Ghana Revenue Authority provided guidance on tax planning and financial structuring to ensure long-term business sustainability.
Fidelity Bank says the Orange Summit remains a key platform for empowering Ghana’s next generation of business leaders with knowledge, funding, and technology-driven tools.
