Zenith Bank Expands To Côte d’Ivoire, Strengthens Francophone Footprint

Zenith Bank Plc has launched a subsidiary in Côte d’Ivoire, expanding its footprint in Francophone West Africa to enhance financial intermediation and cross-border trade within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU).

The bank said that the official launch is scheduled for April 29, 2026, in Plateau, Abidjan, with attendance from Nigerian and Côte d’Ivoire government officials, regulators, business leaders, and diplomats.

Licensed in December 2025 by Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Finance and Budget and regulated by the UMOA Banking Commission, the subsidiary will specialise in corporate banking, trade finance, and structured financial services, the bank stated on Monday.

Commenting on the development, group managing director and CEO, Adaora Umeoji, stated that the move supports Zenith Bank’s strategy to grow across Africa and global markets, fulfilling the vision of founder and chairman, Jim Ovia, for a worldwide banking brand.

The Abidjan unit will be headed by managing director and CEO Cédric Tano, who emphasised its role in providing financing and trade facilitation for businesses in Côte d’Ivoire and the broader region.

This initiative forms part of Zenith Bank’s African expansion plan, including entry into Central Africa via Cameroon as a gateway to the CEMAC region.

The bank, founded in 1990, operates in Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, the UK, France, the UAE, and China. It holds Nigeria’s highest Tier-1 capital for 16 consecutive years.