In acknowledgment of her outstanding impact on global trade, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, has been recognized as one of the honorees in the 2024 Most Influential Global Top 100 Export and International Trade Edition.
This prestigious list, themed “Championing the Vision of Global Africa as a Unified Economic Block and Single Market,” celebrates influential leaders of African descent in the global trade arena.
Also read: Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe: Leading Fidelity Bank to new heights
The announcement, made on May 25, 2024, in celebration of Global Africa Day, includes notable figures such as the President of the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank), Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah; Algeria’s Minister of Trade and Export Promotion, H.E. Kamel Rezig; Chairman of the World Trade Centre Accra, H.R.H Togbe Afede; Nigerian Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite; and other prominent leaders in international trade.
According to a statement by Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD), the organizers of the initiative, “These honorees are recognized for their groundbreaking achievements in Trade & Export and are called upon to champion the vision of a unified Global Africa as an economic block. This recognition aligns with the ethos of the International Decade for People of African Descent, highlighting MIPAD’s ongoing commitment to celebrating individuals, organizations, and governments demonstrating outstanding leadership in advancing people of African descent globally.”
Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating, “This recognition demonstrates our market leadership in the international trade space at Fidelity Bank and our devotion to helping Nigerian businesses play a more active role in the global trade space.”
Since 2022, Fidelity Bank has hosted the largest private-sector-driven trade expo, the Fidelity International Trade and Creative Connect (FITCC). This event has facilitated hundreds of export businesses from Nigeria, connecting them with off-takers in the UK and USA, investors, regulators, and other key stakeholders in the trade sector. Through FITCC, deals totaling $450 million have been closed. Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe affirmed the bank’s commitment to expanding its influence in this space, thanking MIPAD for the honour.
The Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) is a global civil society initiative supporting the International Decade for People of African Descent, as proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 68/237. MIPAD identifies high achievers of African descent across various sectors worldwide, fostering a progressive network dedicated to recognition, justice, and development.
Ranked as one of Nigeria’s top banks, Fidelity Bank serves over 8.3 million customers across its 251 business offices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, as well as through digital banking channels.
The bank has earned multiple local and international awards, including Export Finance Bank of the Year at the 2023 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, Best Payment Solution Provider Nigeria 2023 and Best SME Bank Nigeria 2022 by the Global Banking and Finance Awards.
Others were Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2023, and Best Domestic Private Bank in Nigeria by the Euromoney Global Private Banking Awards 2023.
Freelanews is the editorial byline of Freelanews.com, used for staff reports, news updates, press releases, and collaborative stories produced by the Freelanews Editorial Team.
