By Ayomide Otitoju
Zenith Bank Plc has announced plans to open a new branch in Manchester, marking another milestone in the bank’s international expansion and efforts to strengthen financial connections between Africa and global markets.
The official opening ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, 2026, and is expected to attract government officials from Nigeria and the United Kingdom, regulators, investors, customers, and business leaders from both countries, reflecting growing economic ties and investment opportunities between the two markets.
According to the bank, the Manchester branch will complement its existing operations in the United Kingdom and serve as a strategic hub to support businesses engaged in international trade and investment. The branch will provide corporate banking, trade finance, treasury, and other financial services to clients operating across the United Kingdom, Europe, and Africa.
Speaking ahead of the launch, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank, Adaora Umeoji, said the expansion represents another step in the bank’s ambition to connect businesses and markets across continents.
“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, supported by a strong capital base and a consistent record of profitability. The bank has built its reputation on innovation, technology-driven banking services, and disciplined risk management.
Headquartered in Lagos, Zenith Bank operates more than 500 branches and business offices across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The bank also maintains subsidiaries in several African countries, including Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, and Côte d’Ivoire, while maintaining a presence in major international financial centres such as the United Kingdom, France, United Arab Emirates, and China.
Manchester, widely regarded as one of the United Kingdom’s most vibrant economic hubs, hosts a diverse business community spanning sectors such as manufacturing, engineering, logistics, technology, and consumer goods. The city’s strong commercial ecosystem aligns with Zenith Bank’s expertise in corporate banking, structured finance, and trade finance.
The new branch will work closely with the bank’s London operations and its broader international network to support clients seeking to expand across markets and unlock new opportunities in both the UK and Africa.
With the Manchester expansion, Zenith Bank said it remains committed to building a global African banking institution that connects businesses, facilitates trade and investment, and strengthens economic links between Africa and the rest of the world.
