Fidelity Bank’s FundHer supports Akara Café’s expansion into premium market

By Adebola Muili

Fidelity Bank Plc’s FundHer financing programme has supported Akara Café’s expansion into the premium hospitality market with the development of Pavillon, its new branch in Abuja.

The funding enabled the business to finance part of the costs associated with establishing the premium sub-brand while preserving working capital for the day-to-day operations of its existing business.

Martha Essienanwan E., who shared the experience in a testimonial, said access to financing through FundHer came at a critical point in the company’s expansion journey, helping it pursue a new business opportunity without placing unnecessary pressure on its existing operations.

She explained that the decision to develop a premium sub-brand required significant financial commitment, making access to additional capital important to balancing expansion plans with the need to sustain ongoing business activities.

“Access to financing is not simply about receiving funds. It is about having the financial room to make strategic decisions, pursue opportunities and continue building without unnecessarily putting pressure on existing operations,” she said.

Essienanwanwan also commended the support received from the bank during the financing process, particularly from the company’s Account Manager, Racheal, whom she described as responsive and supportive.

According to her, the account manager’s guidance made the process easier and more seamless at a time when the business was managing several aspects of its expansion.

She said Pavillon represented a new chapter for Akara Café, providing an opportunity to extend the brand into the premium market while exploring new possibilities for growth.

“Opening Pavillon is more than simply adding another location; it is a reflection of our growth, our ambition and our willingness to explore new possibilities,” she said.

She added that the establishment of the Abuja branch involved careful planning, investment and commitment, noting that the availability of financial support helped the business take the step towards realising its expansion plans.

Essienanwan expressed appreciation to Fidelity Bank for supporting the business through its FundHer programme, saying the financing had contributed to its efforts to build, expand and create new experiences for its customers.

She said the business would continue to explore opportunities to grow the Akara Café brand, create memorable customer experiences and develop new ventures.

She described Pavillon as an important milestone in the company’s growth journey, expressing optimism about the opportunities ahead.