Zenith Bank Plc has announced the launch of its new subsidiary in Côte d’Ivoire, marking a significant milestone in the bank’s Pan-African growth strategy and a bold move into Francophone West Africa.
The official opening ceremony, scheduled for April 29, 2026, in Abidjan, is expected to draw top government officials, financial regulators, business leaders, and members of the diplomatic community from across Africa, underscoring the strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire.
Licensed in December 2025 by the Ivorian Ministry of Finance and Budget and regulated by the UMOA Banking Commission, the new subsidiary will operate from its headquarters at SCI Wall Street, Avenue Noguès, Plateau, Abidjan.
The expansion is strategically designed to enhance financial intermediation within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) and position the bank as a key gateway for cross-border trade and investment. Zenith Bank Côte d’Ivoire will offer a range of services including corporate banking, trade finance, structured finance, and both local and offshore banking solutions.
Group Managing Director/CEO Adaora Umeoji described the launch as a major step toward fulfilling the vision of founder Jim Ovia to build a globally competitive African banking brand.
“The launch of Zenith Bank Côte d’Ivoire opens a strategic corridor into Francophone West Africa and reinforces our commitment to facilitating trade, investment, and enterprise growth across the continent,” she said.
The new subsidiary will be led by Managing Director/CEO Cédric Tano, a seasoned banking executive with over 20 years of experience. He noted that the bank is entering the Ivorian market at a time of strong economic growth and increasing regional integration.
“Our goal is to combine global best practices with deep local expertise to support businesses, enable cross-border trade, and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the Ivorian economy and the wider WAEMU region,” Tano said.
The Côte d’Ivoire expansion is part of Zenith Bank’s broader continental strategy, which also includes plans to enter the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC), with Cameroon identified as a key entry point.
With an established presence across multiple markets including Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, the United Kingdom, France, the UAE, and China, Zenith Bank continues to strengthen its position as a leading African financial institution connecting regional markets to global opportunities.
Founded in 1990, the bank has built a strong reputation for financial performance and stability, maintaining the highest Tier-1 capital in Nigeria’s banking sector for 16 consecutive years while driving innovation through technology and customer-focused services.
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