March 2025: Key stories — Zenith Bank in Paris, Chelsea’s big signing, West Ham’s Emirates win

Three stories stood out on Africa Daily Dispatch this March. One shifts finance and trade between Africa and Europe. Two change the shape of the Premier League race and the transfer market. Here's a clear read on what happened and why it matters.

Business & finance: Zenith Bank opens in Paris

Zenith Bank’s new Paris branch is more than a ribbon-cutting. Nigerian leaders and business figures showed up because this move aims to make transactions between Africa and Europe easier. Expect faster channels for investment, trade finance and remittances. For companies doing business across borders, a Paris base can reduce paperwork and speed up funding for deals with Francophone markets.

What should you watch next? Look for banking partnerships, trade corridors with West Africa and services aimed at diaspora customers. If you’re an investor, track changes in correspondent-banking fees and FX access—these will tell you how practical the new branch really is. For small exporters, the branch could mean simpler letters of credit and fewer delays when shipping to Europe.

Sports: Transfers and shock results

Chelsea’s surprise £40m capture of Geovany Quenda from Sporting CP rewrote part of the transfer board. Chelsea moved ahead of Manchester United in a deal kept under wraps. That matters because United were counting on the signing while managing financial limits. For Chelsea, this is a direct signal they want young talent ready to contribute now. For United, it raises questions about who they target next and how they’ll balance the books.

What to look for with Quenda? Expect him to be eased in but used where his pace and skill can stretch defenders. Scouts praised his attacking intensity and ability to change a game—qualities Chelsea wanted. If he adapts fast, this signing could pay off both on the pitch and in resale value.

On the pitch, West Ham’s 1-0 win at the Emirates was a reality check for Arsenal. Jarrod Bowen scored the winner and West Ham’s defence stayed disciplined for the full match. Arsenal’s injuries and lack of cutting edge showed up at a bad time—now they sit further off the top spot and have questions to answer about depth and tactics.

So what does this mean for the title race? Arsenal must fix form and fitness fast. West Ham proved they can upset big teams when organised. And for neutrals, the run-in looks tighter and more unpredictable than some expected.

Want the full breakdowns? Read the full articles on Africa Daily Dispatch for deeper context, quotes and next steps on each story.