Fidelity Bank Strengthens Ghana-China Trade, Drives 24-Hour Economy

Fidelity Bank Ghana has emphasized its strong dedication to promoting economic development by connecting local aspirations with global collaborations.

At the 2025 Ghana-China Business Summit, which focused on the theme 'Synergizing Opportunities: Strengthening the Ghana-China Business Relationship and Fostering a 24-Hour Economy,' John-Paul Taabavi, Director of the Public Sector Group at Fidelity Bank, spoke on behalf of the bank, encouraging stakeholders to rethink cross-border finance as a driver for immediate and impactful business innovations.

"Trade relations are not sustained solely by goodwill. They require a banking system that functions across different time zones, comprehends cultural differences, and ensures reliable and inclusive access to capital," Taabavi highlighted while addressing an audience comprising dignitaries, business executives, and development partners from Ghana and China at the Labadi Beach Hotel. His comments focused on the increasing necessity to go beyond diplomatic goodwill and pursue practical cooperation, with Fidelity Bank playing a key role in facilitating this transition.

Emphasizing the bank's history of financing major industrial and infrastructure initiatives, Taabavi stated, "We are pleased to have been a significant participant in funding the Sentuo Oil Refinery, which is now Ghana's biggest privately-owned refinery. Our involvement in the Triton OCH pulp-to-paper conversion project and our ongoing partnerships with the Sunda Group highlight our dedication to supporting Ghana's industrial growth through international cooperation."

He disclosed that the bank's approach extends past simple transactional assistance, aiming instead to develop long-term financial structures specifically designed to serve the requirements of Ghana's Asian business community. Fidelity has established a specialized Local Corporate and Asian Business Desk under its Corporate and Institutional Banking Division, featuring relationship managers who speak Mandarin and Hindi, ensuring culturally aware client interactions. Furthermore, the bank's corporate internet banking system now offers multilingual capabilities, enabling, for example, Mandarin-speaking clients to easily carry out transactions and access financial services.

Finance revolves around trust, and trust develops through understanding," Taabavi said. "Whether you're a Ghanaian SME exporting cocoa nibs or a Chinese EPC contractor working in Tema, you deserve a banking partner that understands your language, both literally and operationally.

With Ghana moving nearer to achieving its 24-hour economy goal, Fidelity Bank is creating services that keep up with the pace and scope of contemporary business. This includes pre-approved credit lines for top-performing local companies, as well as trade finance options for telecom distribution and solar imports, as the bank synchronizes financial support with key national objectives.

However, Taabavi emphasized that finance is only one part of the matter. "We need to establish robust systems that ensure predictable cross-border trade, focus on cold-chain logistics, and incentivize sustainability not only in theory but also in pricing and availability."

He revealed Fidelity's upcoming plans, such as increased collaboration with Chinese and Indian business associations, eco-friendly financial solutions designed for industrial customers, and the application of predictive analytics to enhance financial access for small and medium enterprises without conventional credit histories. "Local banks are important," he stated. "Since we understand the environment, we know the key players, and we are committed to the long-term growth of Ghana."

The summit provided a crucial opportunity to restate Fidelity Bank’s unique position as a proudly Ghanaian organization with an international perspective, functioning not only as a financial institution but also as a collaborator in development. "The 24-hour economy we aim for is not merely about operating for longer hours. It's about creating systems that function continuously. Systems that allow a Ghanaian SME to ship to Guangzhou at midnight, and a Chinese manufacturer to process payments instantly," Taabavi concluded.

Fidelity Bank's involvement in the Ghana-China Business Summit goes beyond mere attendance; it reflects a clear objective. "Ghana is prepared. Fidelity Bank is prepared. And with our partners from China, the possibilities are limitless."

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FirstBank Women’s Network Empowers Future Leaders at Ola Girls SHS

The FirstBank Ghana Women’s Network organized an empowering mentorship and objective-setting event at Ola Girls Senior High School in Ho, reaching more than 500 students.

This effort is a component of FirstBank's dedication to supporting young women and developing their leadership abilities to help them face upcoming challenges and seize available opportunities.

The gathering aimed not just to motivate but also to provide students with real-world strategies and knowledge they can use in both their studies and personal experiences. The environment was lively, with students participating in dynamic conversations, sessions, and connecting with successful experts.

Victor Yaw Asante, the Managing Director of FirstBank Ghana, highlighted the significance of these efforts, saying, "our dedication to supporting young people is central to our mission. Guidance and setting objectives are crucial for growth in both personal and career aspects."

By supporting their capabilities, we enhance personal lives and play a role in the overall socio-economic progress of our country. I urge young leaders to seize every chance, gain knowledge from their mentors, and stay committed to their quest for outstanding achievement.

Mr. Asante, together with other important members of the FirstBank team, such as Grace Isaac Aryee, Treasurer and Chairperson of FirstBank’s Women Network, Ida Appiah (Head of Credit Analysis & Processing), and Herbertha Quansah (Head of Financial Institutions), brought a unique element to the day.

Naa Adokailey Amofa, Head of Human Capital Management & Development at FirstBank Ghana, provided insightful perspectives on career development and the significance of establishing SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) objectives. She mentioned, "currently, we have influenced more than 500 talented young individuals, providing them with vital skills and knowledge to manage their future careers. It is essential for these students to recognize that defining clear goals is the initial step toward realizing their aspirations. I urge each of you to dream ambitiously, back those dreams with practical strategies, and maintain perseverance when facing obstacles. Keep in mind, every major accomplishment starts with one small step, and we are here to assist you along this path."

Throughout the session, participants engaged in multiple workshops centered on leadership development, financial awareness, and building personal brand. They were given a chance to listen to accomplished women from diverse fields who discussed their journeys, obstacles they faced, and how they achieved their current roles. This experience not only inspired the students but also enabled them to imagine the possibilities for their own professional futures.

Jamila Isa Munkaila, the Area Head at FirstBank for Accra West, emphasized the significance of community involvement, stating, "initiatives such as these are crucial for connecting education with practical experiences. Our goal is to motivate these young women to follow their dreams and lead with self-assurance." The gathering also included interactive discussions where students posed questions and received advice from their mentors on the spot. This immediate exchange created a feeling of inclusion and support among the participants, highlighting that they are not isolated in their paths.

As the event came to a close, Mr. Asante highlighted the significance of investing in the personal and professional growth of the youth to collectively build a better future for Ghana. He encouraged all attendees to collaborate, inspire, and empower each other, leaving behind a legacy that will motivate future generations. He also praised the Women’s Network and expressed sincere appreciation to everyone who participated in this initiative, noting that their support brought joy, encouragement, and tangible assistance to many young girls, further demonstrating the bank's dedication to creating an inclusive atmosphere where all individuals can succeed.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).

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Ecobank and Google Cloud Partner to Boost Financial Inclusion and Innovation

Ecobank, a top pan-African financial services company, and Google Cloud have recently revealed a pioneering partnership focused on revolutionizing financial services through cutting-edge analytics and artificial intelligence, while promoting digital advancement throughout Africa.

By working together, Ecobank aims to utilize Google Cloud's state-of-the-art technology to provide new payment and money transfer solutions that are seamless, safe, and available to all, supporting people and companies throughout the continent and further. This partnership will concentrate on using Google Cloud's latest technologies and artificial intelligence to improve Ecobank's digital services and speed up the Bank's digital evolution.

The collaborative framework aims to enhance individual capabilities, foster the expansion of small and medium-sized businesses within the area, and aid in the broader economic advancement of Africa.

This collaboration aims to provide significant advantages:

• Enhancing financial accessibility:The partnership aims to make money transfers, both within the country and internationally, easier and more efficient. This will be backed by Google Cloud's expandable infrastructure and cutting-edge API tools, like Apigee, with the goal of speeding up financial transactions, reducing costs, and increasing access for a larger number of people, thereby providing essential support to families and improving business operations.
• Empowering African businesses:A key goal of the partnership is to discover methods to strengthen Africa's entrepreneurial environment. Utilizing Google Cloud's resources, such as its advanced data analytics tool, BigQuery, for AI-powered analysis, Ecobank plans to create solutions that enhance financial access for small and medium enterprises, streamline payment processing, and offer useful data-based insights to support business growth across over 33 African nations.
• Envisioning seamless digital banking:The partnership will focus on developing more intuitive and customer-oriented digital banking systems, leveraging Google Cloud's safe and expandable worldwide infrastructure along with Google Cloud's AI capabilities. This will enable Ecobank's developers and users to seamlessly integrate with Ecobank's platforms, connecting through a unified and sophisticated API, allowing them to deliver new financial services. For instance, fintech collaborators can easily offer fundamental banking services like accounts, payments, and loans for smooth transactions.
• Personalising financial solutions responsibly:By leveraging Google's cutting-edge data analysis, artificial intelligence, and machine learning technologies, while maintaining the strictest levels of data privacy and security, Ecobank seeks to gain deeper insights into and predict customer requirements. This approach will support the creation of more suitable and customized financial offerings, such as personalized credit, savings, and insurance solutions.
• Strategic expert collaboration:The Professional Services team from Google Cloud will focus on delivering continuous expert assistance to Ecobank, facilitating the smooth integration of technology and the achievement of the partnership's innovative objectives in the years ahead.

Jeremy Awori, Chief Executive Officer, Ecobankstated: "Our partnership with Google Cloud marks a significant step in Ecobank's digital transformation process. We are excited about utilizing Google Cloud's top-tier technology to create new opportunities for individuals and businesses to expand and thrive across Africa. This collaboration reflects our common goal to investigate the development of a more interconnected and financially accessible future for the continent."

Thomas Kurian, Chief Executive Officer, Google Cloudsaid: “Google Cloud and Ecobank share a common goal of leveraging technology to promote financial inclusion for more individuals and enterprises across Africa. We are excited about the potential of our advanced AI, robust data analysis capabilities, and expandable infrastructure to aid Ecobank's initiatives in driving the continent's economic growth and digital progress.”

This partnership reflects a joint dedication from Ecobank and Google Cloud to investigate how technology can create new possibilities for Africans, helping to build a digitally advanced and economically dynamic future for the region. Ecobank and Google Cloud will continue to seek ways to broaden their cooperation, utilizing the wide range of other Google tools and services.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

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