ZENITH BANK EXPANDS GLOBAL NETWORK WITH NEW MANCHESTER BRANCH

Zenith Bank Plc has announced the opening of a new branch in Manchester, United Kingdom,

marking another significant milestone in the bank’s international growth and its commitment to

strengthening financial connections between Africa and global markets.

The official opening ceremony, scheduled to hold on 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, underscoring 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/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank

Plc, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, 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 its Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, CFR, Zenith Bank has grown into one of

Africa’s most respected banking institutions, boasting a robust capital base and a remarkable history

of year-on-year profitability. Built on a strong foundation of people, technology and service, the Bank

has consistently delivered innovative financial solutions while maintaining a disciplined approach to

growth and risk management. The impressive performance of the Bank has consistently earned it

excellent ratings, recognition and endorsement from local and international agencies and institutions.

Headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, Zenith Bank operates over 500 branches and business offices

across the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Bank currently

operates subsidiaries in several African countries including Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, and Cote

d’Ivoire, while maintaining a presence in major international financial centres including the United

Kingdom, France, UAE and China. In recent years, Zenith Bank has continued to expand its

international network as part of its strategy to support global trade and investment flows involving

Africa.

Manchester, widely regarded as one of the United Kingdom’s most vibrant economic centres, hosts a

diverse base of businesses across sectors such as 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 broader

international network to support clients seeking to expand across markets and unlock new

opportunities in both the United Kingdom and Africa.