Zenith Bank Plc has expanded its global footprint with the opening of the Zenith Bank (UK) Paris branch.
The official opening took place on Wednesday 27 November 2024 at 21 rue de la paix in Paris, France, and was performed by Wale Edun, Minsier of
The opening of Zenith Bank in Paris, a Third Country Branch (TCB) of Zenith Bank (UK) Limited, a subsidiary of Zenith Bank Plc, marks the bank’s global growth strategy and highlights its commitment to customer service in the European region.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including the Governor of Kwara State and Chairman, of Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), His Excellency Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq; the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Babajide Sanwolu; the Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency Adedapo Abiodun; the Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency. Peter Mbah; the Chairman, BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, GCON; the Dear Minister of Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka Anite; the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Ms. Aisha Rimi and the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Export Promotion Commission (NEPC), Mr. Nonye Ayeni, who celebrated this significant milestone alongside Zenith Bank executives.
The event highlighted the bank’s commitment to providing superior financial solutions and catalyzing economic growth across the globe. In her welcome remarks, Zenith Bank Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Dame Adaora Umeoji thanked Founder and Chairman, Dr Umeoji, and CFR Jim Ovia for their inspiration and vision in building an award-winning, record-breaking brand. She also highlighted the reasons why the bank strategically relocated to Paris.
According to her,
“The opening of this Paris branch is part of the broad strategy of the Bank to extend its footprints across the major global financial centres and our efforts at following our customers’ businesses. Paris branch opening underpins the need to serve our customers and bolster trade and finance relationship between our customers in France and other countries.
According to the French-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Nigeria handles 20% of France’s trade with sub-Saharan Africa, making Zenith Bank’s entry into France a very strategic move. Having successfully conquered large parts of English-speaking Africa, the bank will now leverage Zenith Bank’s operations in Paris to lead the French-speaking market, starting with Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon and planning to establish subsidiaries there soon.
This will boost business and trade flows between the African region and France, which is an important business partner for several African countries.
