Zenith Bank Plc has announced the opening of its Côte d’Ivoire subsidiary, marking a pivotal milestone in the Group’s pan-African expansion strategy.
The official opening ceremony, scheduled for Wednesday, April 29, 2026, is expected to attract senior government officials and regulators from Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, continental business leaders, and members of the diplomatic community.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Zenith Bank said the new subsidiary, licensed in December 2025 by Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Finance and Budget and regulated by the West African Economic and Monetary Union Banking Commission, will commence operations from its headquarters at SCI Wall Street, Avenue Noguès, Plateau, Abidjan.
Also, Zenith bank added that the launch represents a strategic move to deepen its presence in Francophone West Africa and strengthen financial intermediation within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU).
Moreso,the bank noted that the subsidiary will focus on corporate banking, trade finance, local and offshore banking services, and structured financial solutions tailored to businesses operating across Africa and internationally.
Dr Adaora Umeoji, the Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank, speaking on the launch, said: “From the very beginning, our Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia CFR, set out to build a truly global brand with a strong presence across Africa and key international markets.
“The launch of Zenith Bank Cote d’Ivoire is a bold step in realising that vision; opening a strategic corridor into Francophone West Africa and reinforcing our commitment to facilitating trade, investment, and enterprise growth across the continent.
“As we continue to expand thoughtfully and strategically, we remain focused on delivering world-class banking solutions that connect African businesses to global opportunities.”
The new subsidiary will be headed by MD/CEO Cedric Tano, a seasoned banking executive with over two decades of experience.
Speaking ahead of the official opening, Tano said: “We are proud to establish Zenith Bank’s presence in Cote d’Ivoire at a time of strong economic growth in the country and increasing regional integration.
“Our focus is on showcasing the Zenith brand as a customer-centric institution that combines global best practices with deep local insight. We are well positioned to support businesses with innovative financing solutions, facilitate cross-border trade, and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the Ivorian economy and the wider WAEMU region,” the bank stated.
