Zenith Bank Plc has expanded its international footprint with the launch of a new subsidiary in Côte d’Ivoire, marking a significant milestone in its Pan-African growth strategy.
The official unveiling, held on April 29, 2026, drew top government officials, financial regulators, business leaders, and members of the diplomatic corps from both Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire. The event underscored growing economic ties and investment opportunities between the two countries.
The subsidiary, which received its licence in December 2025 from the Ivorian Ministry of Finance and Budget and operates under the supervision of the UMOA Banking Commission, will run from its headquarters in Abidjan’s Plateau district.
This expansion strengthens the bank’s presence in Francophone West Africa and enhances financial intermediation within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU). Positioned to support cross-border trade and investment, the new arm will offer services including corporate banking, trade finance, and structured financial solutions for businesses operating across Africa and beyond.
Speaking on the development, Group Managing Director and CEO Adaora Umeoji said the move reflects the vision of founder Jim Ovia to build a globally competitive African banking brand. She noted that the Côte d’Ivoire subsidiary opens new pathways into Francophone markets while reinforcing the bank’s commitment to driving trade, investment, and enterprise growth across the continent.
The new operation will be led by Managing Director/CEO Cédric Tano, who brings over 20 years of industry experience. He expressed confidence in the bank’s ability to support businesses through innovative financial solutions and contribute to economic growth in Côte d’Ivoire and the wider WAEMU region.
The launch forms part of Zenith Bank’s broader expansion plan, which includes ongoing efforts to enter the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC), with Cameroon identified as a key market. The bank already operates in several countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, the United Kingdom, France, the UAE, and China.
Established in 1990, Zenith Bank has grown into one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, maintaining strong capitalisation and a consistent performance record. It has held the top position for Tier-1 capital in Nigeria’s banking sector for 16 consecutive years, driven by its focus on people, technology, and service excellence.
