Zenith Bank Expands Global Footprint with New Manchester Branch to Strengthen UK–Africa Trade Links

Zenith Bank Expands Global Footprint with New Manchester Branch to Strengthen UK–Africa Trade Links

Zenith Bank Plc has announced plans to open a new branch in Manchester, United Kingdom, as part of its broader global expansion strategy aimed at deepening financial connections between Africa and international markets.

The official launch of the Manchester branch is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, 2026, and is expected to attract government officials from Nigeria and the United Kingdom, financial regulators, investors, customers and business leaders from both countries. The event is expected to highlight the growing economic and investment ties between the two markets.

According to the bank, the Manchester branch will complement its existing UK operations and serve as a strategic hub for supporting businesses engaged in international trade and cross-border investment. The branch will provide services including corporate banking, trade finance, treasury operations and other financial solutions to clients operating across the UK, Europe and Africa.

Speaking ahead of the launch, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank, Adaora Umeoji, said the move represents another milestone in the bank’s ambition to strengthen its global presence.

“The opening of our Manchester branch represents another important step in Zenith Bank’s growth as a leading African financial institution connecting businesses and markets across continents. Manchester is one of the United Kingdom’s most dynamic commercial centres, and our presence here will further strengthen financial connections between businesses in the UK and opportunities across Africa’s rapidly expanding markets,” she said.

Founded in 1990 by its founder and chairman, Jim Ovia, Zenith Bank has grown into one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, with a strong capital base and a track record of consistent profitability. The bank has built its reputation on technology-driven banking, quality service delivery and prudent risk management, earning recognition from both local and international rating agencies.

Headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, the bank operates more than 500 branches and business offices across the country’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. It also maintains subsidiaries in several African markets including Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Côte d’Ivoire, while sustaining a presence in key global financial centres such as the United Kingdom, France, the United Arab Emirates and China.

Manchester is widely regarded as one of the UK’s most vibrant economic hubs, hosting a diverse range of industries including manufacturing, engineering, logistics, technology and consumer goods. The city’s strong commercial ecosystem and international outlook align with Zenith Bank’s strengths in corporate banking, structured finance and trade finance.

The new branch is expected to work closely with the bank’s London operations and its broader international network to support clients seeking expansion opportunities across markets in the United Kingdom and Africa.

With the launch of the Manchester branch, Zenith Bank said it remains committed to its vision of building a globally recognised African banking institution that facilitates trade, promotes investment and strengthens economic bridges between Africa and the rest of the world.