Zenith Bank Plc has expanded its international footprint with the commissioning of its Paris branch, Zenith Bank (UK), Paris. The milestone event was held on Wednesday, 27 November 2024, at 21 Rue de la Paix, Paris, France.

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, officially inaugurated the branch, marking a significant step in Zenith Bank’s global growth strategy.

Prominent dignitaries at the event included Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ogun State Governor Adedapo Abiodun; Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah; Dangote Group President Alhaji Aliko Dangote; and BUA Group Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu. Senior executives from Nigeria’s Investment Promotion Commission and Export Promotion Council were also present, celebrating Zenith Bank’s commitment to delivering world-class financial solutions.

In her address, Zenith Bank’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, highlighted the strategic importance of the Paris branch. She remarked:
“This expansion reflects our mission to extend Zenith Bank’s presence across major global financial hubs. Paris, a significant trading partner for Africa, provides an ideal base to support trade and finance relationships between France and Africa.”

Umeoji credited the visionary leadership of Zenith Bank’s Founder and Chairman, Dr Jim Ovia, for establishing a globally renowned financial institution. She added:
“Through our Paris branch, we aim to facilitate business flows between Africa and France, particularly as Nigeria accounts for 20% of France’s trade with Sub-Saharan Africa. Our operations will also extend to Francophone Africa, with subsidiaries planned for Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon.”

Speaking at the event, Minister Wale Edun commended Zenith Bank’s efforts to enhance trust in Nigerian institutions globally.
“The opening of this branch is a testament to the credibility of Nigerian businesses. It will strengthen trade and investment ties between Nigeria, Africa, and France,” he said.

Aliko Dangote congratulated Zenith Bank on the milestone, stating:
“Without strong Nigerian banks like Zenith, our economic progress would not have been possible. A robust financial sector is essential for national growth.”

Zenith Bank’s Paris branch will provide corporate banking, trade finance, and treasury services to individuals and businesses, leveraging its global network and expertise to strengthen trade connectivity between Europe and Africa.

Earlier in 2023, Zenith Bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the French Government, laying the groundwork for this expansion. With final approval from France’s banking regulator, Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR), the branch is now operational.

This latest development reinforces Zenith Bank’s position as a global financial leader committed to fostering economic growth and trade integration.