March 16, (THEWILL) — Zenith Bank Plc has announced the opening of a new branch in Manchester, as part of efforts to strengthen investment flows and deepen financial connections between businesses in the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
The official opening ceremony, scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, 2026, is expected to attract government officials from both countries, regulators, investors, customers, and business leaders, highlighting growing economic ties and expanding trade 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 for supporting businesses involved in international trade and investment.
Through the branch, the bank will provide corporate banking, trade finance, treasury services, and other financial solutions 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, described the development as a major step in the bank’s global expansion strategy.
“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, the bank has grown into one of Africa’s most respected financial institutions, with a strong capital base and a consistent record of profitability.
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 sustaining international operations in major financial centres such as the United Kingdom, France, the United Arab Emirates, and China.
Widely regarded as one of the United Kingdom’s most vibrant economic centres, Manchester hosts a diverse base of businesses spanning manufacturing, engineering, logistics, technology, and consumer goods.
The bank noted that the city’s strong commercial ecosystem aligns with its expertise in corporate banking, structured finance, and trade finance.
The Manchester branch will also work closely with the bank’s existing operations in London and its broader international network to support clients seeking to expand into new markets and unlock investment opportunities across Africa and Europe.
With the new branch, Zenith Bank said it remains committed to building a truly global African banking institution that facilitates trade, strengthens cross-border investments, and creates stronger economic bridges between Africa and the rest of the world.
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