Zenith Bank Completes Landmark $195M Tier-1 Capital Raise to Drive Regional Expansion

LAGOS — Nigeria’s Zenith Bank PLC has successfully finalized its capital raising exercise, securing approximately ₦290 billion (approximately $180M–$195M depending on prevailing FX rates) through a public offer of ordinary shares. 

The capital raise, which opened in August 2024 and concluded in September, was significantly oversubscribed by institutional and public investors seeking to strengthen the bank's Tier-1 capital base in alignment with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) updated capital adequacy requirements for international banking licenses.

The transaction involved the issuance of 5.89 billion units of ordinary shares at a price of ₦40.00 per share. The proceeds are earmarked for enhancing Zenith Bank’s digital infrastructure, expanding its pan-African footprint, and strengthening its working capital to support large-scale corporate lending in the energy, telecommunications, and infrastructure sectors.

“The success of this offer reflects the enduring confidence of our shareholders and the broader investment community in the Zenith Bank brand,” said Adaora Umeoji, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank PLC. “This infusion of capital provides us with the necessary runway to scale our regional operations and deliver robust, tech-driven financial services to our corporate and retail clients across the continent.”

Zenith Bank's capital raise is a key component of the Nigerian banking sector's ongoing recapitalization drive. By meeting the new international banking authorization thresholds, the bank reinforces its position as one of Nigeria’s most capitalized financial institutions. 

Learn More at: https://www.zenithbank.com/media/news/zenith-bank-raises-over-n350-billion-in-combined-rights-issue-and-public-offer/