Zenith Bank opens a new Manchester branch to enhance corporate banking, trade finance, and investment connections between Africa and the UK

Zenith Bank Plc has announced the opening of a new branch in Manchester, marking a major milestone in the bank’s international expansion and its commitment to connecting African businesses with global markets.

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The official launch is scheduled for Tuesday, 17 March 2026, with government officials, regulators, investors, and business leaders from Nigeria and the United Kingdom expected to attend.

The Manchester branch will complement Zenith Bank’s existing UK operations and serve as a strategic hub for businesses engaged in international trade and investment.

It will provide corporate banking, trade finance, treasury services, and other financial solutions to clients operating across the United Kingdom, Europe, and Africa.

Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, said: “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.”

Founded in 1990 by Jim Ovia, CFR, Zenith Bank has become one of Africa’s most respected banking institutions, with over 500 branches and business offices across Nigeria and subsidiaries in Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, and Côte d’Ivoire.

The bank also maintains a presence in major international financial centres including London, France, UAE, and China.

Manchester’s thriving business ecosystem, spanning manufacturing, engineering, logistics, technology, and consumer goods, aligns closely with Zenith Bank’s expertise in corporate banking and trade finance.

The new branch will work in tandem with the bank’s London operations and wider international network to support clients expanding across markets in Africa and Europe.

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The launch of the Manchester branch underscores Zenith Bank’s vision of building a global African banking institution that facilitates trade, investment, and stronger economic ties between Africa and the world.