Zenith Bank Plc has announced the opening of a new branch in Manchester, United Kingdom, in a move aimed at strengthening financial connections between Africa and the United Kingdom while supporting businesses engaged in cross-border trade and investment.
The official opening ceremony for the new branch 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.
The expansion marks another milestone in the bank’s international growth strategy as it continues to position itself as a leading African financial institution facilitating global trade flows involving Africa.
According to the bank, the Manchester branch will complement its existing operations in the United Kingdom and serve as a strategic hub for providing corporate banking, trade finance, treasury and related financial services to clients operating across the United Kingdom, Europe and Africa.
Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, Adaora Umeoji, said the expansion reflects the bank’s commitment to strengthening financial connectivity between businesses in developed markets and Africa’s rapidly expanding economies.
“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, Jim Ovia, Zenith Bank has grown into one of Africa’s leading banking institutions with a strong capital base and consistent profitability.
The bank operates more than 500 branches and business offices across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, while maintaining subsidiaries in several African markets including Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia and Côte d’Ivoire.
Beyond Africa, Zenith Bank maintains a presence in major international financial centres including the United Kingdom, France, the United Arab Emirates and China as part of its strategy to support global trade and investment involving African businesses.
Manchester, one of the United Kingdom’s leading commercial centres, hosts a diverse business community spanning sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, engineering, technology and consumer goods.
The city’s strong economic base and international outlook make it a strategic location for financial institutions seeking to support businesses operating across multiple global markets.
Zenith Bank said the Manchester branch will work closely with its London operations and the bank’s broader international network to support clients expanding across markets and seeking new trade and investment opportunities.
With the launch of the Manchester branch, the bank continues to advance its long-term vision of building a globally connected African financial institution capable of facilitating international commerce and strengthening economic partnerships between Africa and global markets.
