Zenith Bank Expands Global Footprint With Manchester Branch Commissioning

 Zenith Bank Expands Global Footprint with Manchester Branch Commissioning

Zenith Bank Expands Global Footprint with Manchester Branch Commissioning

Zenith Bank Plc has strengthened its international presence with the official commissioning of its UK subsidiary, Zenith Bank (UK) Limited, Manchester Branch on March 17, 2026.

The high-profile event brought together key figures from government, finance, and international trade across Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

Among those in attendance were the representative of the President, Minister of State for Finance, Taiwo Oyedele.

Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of State (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo; Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas; and a representative of the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, Ms. Aisha Rimi of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission.

Also present were the Chairman and Founder of Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia , Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank, Adaora Umoeji; Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole; and the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Florence Eshalomi.

The event further drew   the CEO of Nigerian Exchange Ltd, Jude Chiemeka.

Also in attendance was the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, alongside executive directors of the bank and other dignitaries.

Recent financial performance reinforces the bank’s capacity for such growth. Zenith Bank has demonstrated strong capital resilience, surpassing ₦4.7 trillion in shareholders’ funds and achieving significant growth in net interest income in its latest financial cycle.

Located in Manchester, the new branch is designed to complement Zenith Bank’s established London operations.

The hub will focus on corporate banking, trade finance, and treasury services, specifically targeting businesses operating within the UK–Africa trade corridor.

Speaking at the commissioning, stakeholders emphasized the strategic importance of the expansion in deepening economic ties between Nigeria and the UK, while enhancing financial support for cross-border trade and investment.

The Manchester branch is also expected to contribute to the local UK economy, with projections indicating the creation of approximately 30 direct jobs.

Zenith Bank’s Manchester launch is part of a broader international expansion strategy that has seen the bank deepen its presence across Europe and Africa. From Paris to planned entries into other African markets, the bank continues to extend its reach while maintaining a strong reputation for technological innovation and service delivery.

The commissioning of the Manchester branch signals Zenith Bank’s intent to play a more prominent role in global finance, particularly in facilitating Africa’s integration into international markets.

For Zenith Bank, Manchester is not just another branch, it is a statement of ambition, resilience, and a forward-looking vision for African banking on the global stage.