The Central Bank of Egypt has announced that bank financing for small and medium enterprises reached 630 billion Egyptian pounds ($11.9 billion) as of end of 2025.
This figure represents a 400 percent growth rate since the launch of the country’s initial financial inclusion strategy, signaling a fundamental shift in how the domestic banking sector supports emerging businesses.
Speaking on Arab Financial Inclusion Day, Sherif Lokman, the Deputy Governor for Financial Inclusion, highlighted the success of the 2022 to 2025 roadmap. He said the report underscores a significant expansion in the reach of formal banking services across the country.
According to the latest data, Egypt’s financial inclusion rate has climbed to 77.6 percent. This means that approximately 54.7 million citizens now have access to transactional accounts, mobile wallets, or prepaid cards, providing a robust foundation for future economic stability.
A particularly striking finding in the report is the upward mobility of Egyptian businesses. Roughly 50 percent of the small enterprises that benefited from these financing programmes successfully transitioned into large-scale companies. This graduation process suggests that the central bank’s intervention is not merely providing temporary liquidity but is instead fostering long-term corporate growth.
The 315 billion Egyptian pounds (approximately $5.95 billion) currently held in the portfolios of these scaled-up companies demonstrates the tangible impact of credit access on industrial and commercial expansion.
The timing of this report is pivotal as the Central Bank of Egypt prepares to launch its second Financial Inclusion Strategy, which will span from 2026 to 2030. This next phase is expected to prioritise digital integration and green finance. By moving informal businesses into the formal financial system through fintech solutions, the regulator aims to broaden the tax base and provide more accurate data for national economic planning.
Market analysts suggest that the growth in SME lending is also a response to shifting monetary conditions. As inflation begins to stabilise, the central bank has initiated a rate-cutting cycle that makes borrowing more attractive for entrepreneurs. This environment is expected to drive an additional 25 percent expansion in credit volumes throughout the current fiscal year.
In the meantime, the central bank remains focused on ensuring that this credit growth remains sustainable. Collaborations with international financial institutions are currently underway to develop specialized lending products for women-led businesses and eco-friendly startups. By diversifying the types of enterprises receiving support, the regulator intends to build a more resilient economy that is less dependent on large-scale state projects and more driven by a vibrant private sector. The upcoming 2030 roadmap will be officially unveiled by mid-year to provide a clear path for these continued developmental goals.
He has previously worked with Business Insider Africa and Nairametrics, reporting on finance, startups, and innovation.
His work focuses on AI, digital economy, and global tech trends.
Lupita Nyong’o (Kenya)
Most Famous Movie: 12 Years a Slave (2013)
Short Bio: Lupita Nyong’o is a Kenyan-Mexican actress who rose to international fame for her Oscar-winning performance as Patsey in 12 Years a Slave. She is celebrated for her compelling performances and has gone on to star in blockbusters like Black Panther, Us, and Queen of Katwe.
Are Ess Tee
Is it? – Is that so? [iz-zit] A basic conversational word that can be inserted at various points in any conversation, meaning “oh, wow!” or “Is that so?” It can also be used when you don’t really feel like talking and don’t want to be rude but want to seem as if you’re listening. Example: “Last week we went on a game drive! Sho my bru! We saw loads of antelope!” “Is it, hey!”
Troubled Pie
Braai – a barbecue [brr-rye] Also known as a barbecue where steak, lamb chops and of course ‘boerewors’ is cooked on a grid over wood and flames. Add some salads, rolls and ‘melktert’ for dessert and you are set for a traditional South African braai.