Zenith Bank Plc has announced plans to open a new branch in Manchester, United Kingdom, marking another significant milestone in the bank’s international expansion and its commitment to strengthening financial connections between Africa and global markets.

The official opening ceremony, scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, 2026, is expected to attract government officials from Nigeria and the United Kingdom, regulators, investors, customers, and business leaders from both countries. The event underscores the growing economic ties and investment opportunities between the two markets.

The new Manchester branch will complement Zenith Bank’s existing operations in the United Kingdom and serve as a strategic hub for supporting businesses engaged in international trade and investment. Through the branch, the bank will provide corporate banking, trade finance, treasury, and related 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 Plc, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, said the development represents another step in the bank’s evolution as a leading African financial institution connecting 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,” Umeoji said.

Founded in 1990 by its Founder and Chairman, Mr. Jim Ovia, CFR, Zenith Bank has grown into one of Africa’s most respected banking institutions, supported by a strong capital base and a consistent record of year-on-year profitability. Built on a solid foundation of people, technology, and service, the bank has continued to deliver innovative financial solutions while maintaining a disciplined approach to growth and risk management.

The bank’s performance has earned it strong ratings, recognition, and endorsements from both local and international agencies and institutions.

Headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, Zenith Bank operates more than 500 branches and business offices across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory. The bank also runs 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, the United Arab Emirates, and China.

In recent years, the bank has continued to expand its global network as part of its strategy to support international trade and investment flows involving Africa.

Manchester, widely regarded as one of the United Kingdom’s most vibrant economic centres, hosts a diverse range of businesses across sectors including manufacturing, engineering, logistics, technology, and consumer goods. The city’s strong commercial ecosystem and international outlook align closely with Zenith Bank’s expertise in corporate banking, structured finance, and trade finance.

The Manchester branch will work closely with the bank’s London operations and its wider international network to support clients seeking to expand across markets and unlock new opportunities in both the United Kingdom and Africa.

With the opening of the Manchester branch, Zenith Bank continues to advance its vision of building a truly global African banking institution that connects businesses, facilitates trade and investment, and strengthens economic bridges between Africa and the rest of the world.