Zenith Bank Plc has reinforced its position as one of Africa’s leading financial institutions after delivering another strong financial performance in 2026, marked by impressive first-quarter earnings, regional expansion and major international recognition.
The bank recently emerged as Africa’s Best Bank and Nigeria’s Best Bank at the 2026 Euromoney Awards for Excellence. It also completed the acquisition of Paramount Bank Kenya Limited, commenced operations in Côte d’Ivoire and announced plans to list on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) in 2027.
According to the bank’s unaudited financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, Zenith Bank recorded a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of ₦361 billion, representing a three per cent increase from the corresponding period in 2025. The result remains the highest pre-tax profit reported among Nigeria’s Tier-1 banks.
The bank’s total assets rose to ₦32.01 trillion, while customer deposits increased by 7.9 per cent year-on-year to ₦24.47 trillion. Shareholders’ funds also climbed by 16.3 per cent to ₦5.17 trillion, reflecting sustained capital growth and earnings retention.
Zenith Bank also recorded strong growth in its lending business. Gross loans increased by 8.6 per cent to ₦12.04 trillion, while net loans rose by 13.2 per cent to ₦11.38 trillion.
Despite the expansion in lending, the bank improved its asset quality by reducing its non-performing loan ratio to 3.79 per cent, down from 4.70 per cent recorded in 2024. Industry analysts also noted that Zenith Bank continues to maintain one of the strongest loan-loss coverage ratios in Nigeria.
The bank’s diversified revenue streams also contributed to its performance. Net interest income grew by 7.3 per cent to ₦634.1 billion, while net fee and commission income surged by 44.6 per cent from ₦56 billion to ₦81 billion, driven by increased activity in digital banking, electronic payments, transaction services and card businesses.
For shareholders, Zenith Bank maintained one of the highest returns on equity among Nigerian lenders, posting a 23.2 per cent Return on Average Equity (ROAE) for the 2025 financial year.
The bank also paid a record dividend of ₦10.00 per share, amounting to approximately ₦410.7 billion distributed to investors, while maintaining one of the industry’s lowest cost-to-income ratios.
Zenith Bank’s financial strength was further reflected in its capital position. Its Capital Adequacy Ratio stood at about 25 per cent, while its liquidity ratio remained at 71 per cent, both comfortably above regulatory requirements.
Independent assessments by Fitch Ratings and CardinalStone Research project the bank’s capital base to strengthen further through 2027, providing additional capacity to support its African expansion strategy.
At the 2026 Euromoney Awards for Excellence held in London, Zenith Bank was named Africa’s Best Bank and Nigeria’s Best Bank, marking the second consecutive year it has received the national award.
Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Adaora Umeoji, described the recognition as a reflection of customers’ confidence, employees’ dedication and the bank’s long-term vision of becoming a globally respected African financial institution.
As part of its continental growth strategy, the bank completed the acquisition of Paramount Bank Kenya Limited, establishing a stronger presence in East Africa.
It also launched operations in Côte d’Ivoire, expanding its footprint into the eight-member West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) market and strengthening its regional trade finance capabilities.
Looking ahead, Zenith Bank confirmed plans to list on the London Stock Exchange in 2027. The proposed listing is expected to improve access to global capital markets, strengthen international financing capacity and support larger cross-border transactions.
With sustained profitability, improved asset quality, strong capital buffers, digital revenue growth, expanding African operations and global recognition, Zenith Bank continues to consolidate its position as one of Africa’s leading financial institutions.
