Egypt’s financial inclusion rates have reached a record 76.3% of the adult population, according to the latest figures from the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE).

In its update on the Financial Inclusion Strategy (2022–2025), the CBE reported that as of June 2025, more than 53.8 million citizens aged 15 and above actively use transaction accounts through banks, Egypt Post, mobile wallets, or prepaid cards. This marks a sharp rise from 74.8% in December 2024, underscoring the success of reforms aimed at expanding access to the formal financial system.

Expanding inclusion for women and youth

The CBE highlighted notable progress in closing the gender gap. Financial inclusion among women rose to 70% in June 2025, up from 68.8% at the end of 2024. This improvement reflects coordinated efforts between the Bank, government ministries, and stakeholders to promote women’s economic empowerment and tailor financial services to their needs.

Youth inclusion also advanced, climbing from 53.1% in December 2024 to 54.4% in June 2025. Allowing account openings from the age of 15 has helped young people access banking services, build financial independence, and develop money management skills earlier in life.

The CBE emphasized that Egypt’s journey toward financial inclusion has been transformative. Citizens participating in the formal financial system grew from 17.1 million in 2016 to 53.8 million in June 2025—an increase of nearly 215%. This expansion reflects the growing reliance on formal channels for savings, payments, and credit, reshaping the country’s financial landscape.

Financial Inclusion Strategy

Progress is largely driven by the CBE’s Financial Inclusion Strategy, launched in 2024 as Egypt’s first comprehensive framework to scientifically measure financial inclusion. The strategy evaluates access, usage, and quality of financial services, while setting measurable targets and policy priorities.

It builds on surveys conducted in 2020 with the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS), supported by the European Union and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). The surveys assessed consumer and MSME engagement in both the formal and informal sectors, highlighting gaps in service and barriers to access.

Aligned with Egypt’s Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals, the strategy places poverty reduction, inclusive growth, and gender equality at its core. It also complements the National Women’s Strategy 2030, which seeks to raise financial literacy and expand women’s participation in digital finance.

Strategic priorities

Key objectives include strengthening consumer protection, enhancing financial literacy, and equipping policymakers and bank staff with the necessary skills to drive financial inclusion. The strategy also prioritizes non-financial services and infrastructure for entrepreneurs, easing MSME access to credit and accelerating digital transformation across the sector.

Farmers at the center of inclusion

Complementing national efforts, Commercial International Bank–Egypt (CIB) recently launched the “Celebrating the Farmers Financial Inclusion CBE Initiative.”

Running from September 1–15, 2025, the program introduces farmers to tailored banking products to help them achieve financial security and sustainability.

Persistent challenges

Despite strong gains, barriers remain. A 2019 study by Farid Ghebrial at the American University in Cairo identified income volatility, limited collateral, and low financial literacy as key obstacles.

Many individuals continue to rely on cash, while small businesses turn to informal financing due to restrictive bank requirements. On the supply side, high transaction costs and limited rural outreach compound the problem.

MSMEs face particular challenges, with FinTech Egypt noting that complex documentation, rigid eligibility criteria, and limited collateral restrict their access to loans and accounts. Many operate informally and struggle with high transaction costs, limited access to tenders, and constrained growth opportunities. Addressing these barriers remains critical, as MSMEs are a backbone of Egypt’s economy and central to job creation.