As one of the largest economies in Africa, Nigeria has given rise to numerous multinational companies that have expanded their footprint across the continent.
These Nigerian giants have not only contributed significantly to the country’s economy but have also positioned themselves as key players in Africa’s business landscape.
From oil and gas to telecommunications and banking, Nigerian firms are making their mark, influencing markets, creating jobs, and contributing to economic development in various African countries.
In this article, we take a closer look at some of the Nigerian multinational companies with the most substantial presence across Africa. These companies have built strong brands, established extensive networks, and adapted to diverse markets, further establishing Nigeria’s role as a business hub in Africa.
Here’s a glimpse into the Nigerian multinationals leading the charge in the African business world.
Zenith Bank Plc was founded in May 1990 by Jim Ovia, CFR. and commenced operations as a commercial bank in July of the same year. Since then, it has evolved into Nigeria’s largest bank by tier-1 capital and one of the top 10 banks in Africa.
Headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, Zenith Bank operates 393 branches across Nigeria and has expanded internationally with subsidiaries in key African markets:
- Zenith Bank (Ghana) Limited
- Zenith Bank (Sierra Leone) Limited
- Zenith Bank (Gambia) Limited
Additionally, Zenith Bank has a subsidiary in the United Kingdom, Zenith Bank (UK) Limited, which was licensed by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in March 2007. The bank also maintains a representative office in China and has expressed plans to further expand into Europe and Asia.
Zenith Bank has a market cap or net worth of N1.59 trillion as of January 29, 2025. Its market cap has increased by 7.29% in one year.
