Fidelity Bank Advocates for Stronger Systems to Unlock Ghana’s Trade and Enterprise Potential

Fidelity Bank Ghana has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders, harmonized trade systems, and targeted institutional support to overcome the structural barriers hindering Ghana's traders and entrepreneurs, especially women. This call was made during the Breaking Barriers to Trade conference, where Fidelity Bank featured as a speaker in two sessions focused on trade modernization and women-led enterprise development.

Aaron Ameyaw, Director of Banking Operations, highlighted data quality and fragmented customs systems as major hindrances to trade growth in Ghana and the wider region. He emphasized that artificial intelligence's potential in transforming trade and commerce hinges on the quality of data. Ameyaw pointed out the need to address the harmonization of customs regimes across neighboring countries, which has been neglected for too long.

He also praised the introduction of the Publican AI System in 2026, which has already contributed to a revenue growth of over US$300 million at Ghana's ports.

Alex Agyei-Amponsah, Director of SME Banking, discussed the specific challenges faced by women-led businesses in Ghana. He noted that between 38% and 46% of businesses in the region are owned by women, with the main obstacle being structure rather than ambition. Agyei-Amponsah revealed that Fidelity Bank supports women entrepreneurs through the Fidelity Young Entrepreneurs Fund, which provides concessional financing and assistance in regulatory compliance.

He also mentioned the bank's group lending approach, which has enabled women to participate in export contracts that would otherwise be unattainable. These initiatives showcase Fidelity Bank's commitment to breaking down barriers to trade by combining effective systems with supportive institutions.