Zenith Bank Plc has expanded its international presence with the inauguration of Zenith Bank (UK), Paris Branch, marking a significant step in its global growth strategy.

The commissioning took place on Wednesday, 27 November 2024, at 21 Rue de la Paix, Paris, France, officiated by Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun.

The Paris branch, a Third-Country Branch (TCB) of Zenith Bank (UK) Limited, underscores the bank’s commitment to serving European clients and strengthening trade ties between Africa and Europe.

The event was graced by notable figures, including the Governors of Kwara, Lagos, Ogun, and Enugu States: AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Adedapo Abiodun, and Dr Peter Mbah, respectively.

Other attendees included BUA Group Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu; Minister of State for Finance Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite; NIPC CEO Aisha Rimi; and NEPC CEO Nonye Ayeni.

In her welcome address, Zenith Bank’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Dr Adaora Umeoji, acknowledged the visionary leadership of the bank’s founder and chairman, Dr Jim Ovia

She emphasised the Paris branch’s role in bridging trade and financial services between France and African markets, with plans to expand into Francophone Africa, starting with Ivory Coast and Cameroon.

Minister Wale Edun praised the development, noting that Zenith Bank’s presence in Paris would foster trust and collaboration between the French business community and African markets.

Business magnate Aliko Dangote lauded the bank’s role in driving Nigeria’s economic growth, while France’s Treasury Director General Bertrand Dumont highlighted the branch’s potential to strengthen intercontinental business ties.

The Paris branch launch follows final approval by France’s banking regulator, ACPR, in September 2024, and an earlier Memorandum of Understanding signed between Zenith Bank and the French Government in November 2023.

Zenith Bank, Paris, aims to serve as a financial hub for corporate banking, trade finance, and treasury services, leveraging its robust global network to accelerate trade flows and foster stronger Europe-Africa economic ties.

This milestone solidifies Zenith Bank’s reputation as a global banking leader, poised to enhance financial solutions across continents