Zenith Bank posts record pre‑tax profit as it expands across Africa

Zenith Bank Plc reported its first‑quarter 2026 results, with group profit before tax rising 3% year‑on‑year to ₦361 billion, the highest pre‑tax profit among Nigeria’s seven largest banks.

Total assets grew 1.8% to ₦32.01 trillion, customer deposits increased 7.9% to ₦24.47 trillion and shareholders’ equity rose 16.3% to ₦5.17 trillion, supporting a market‑capitalisation of about ₦5.18 trillion after a 104% share price gain YTD.

The Lagos‑based lender has expanded its pan‑African footprint with a completed acquisition in Kenya, a new subsidiary in Francophone West Africa, and plans for a London Stock Exchange listing in 2027. It also received a double win at Euromoney awards and saw its brand value rise 33.6% continent‑wide, according to Brand Finance.