Launch of MasterTalks Series to Promote Banking Innovation

The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), in collaboration with the European Bank for Reconstruction

and Development (EBRD), has launched a series of specialized masterclasses called “MasterTalks

aimed at supporting financial inclusion in Egypt and promoting innovation across the banking sector

This initiative is carried out in partnership with the Federation of Egyptian Banks (FEB) and seeks to

implement best practices in inclusive banking while advancing knowledge and technological adoption

in financial services The inaugural session brought together key stakeholders, including heads of Micro

Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), financial inclusion managers from Egyptian banks, and

representatives from supporting institutions such as the Credit Guarantee Company (CGC), the Egyptian

Credit Bureau (i-Score), and the Egyptian Banking Institute (EBI) International experts also participated

sharing global use cases and discussing challenges in deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI) in emerging markets

Advancing Digital Transformation for Financial Inclusion

Central Bank Each MasterTalk session is dedicated to a specific theme related to the digital transformation

of the banking sector, aiming to enhance access to banking services for all segments of society

Discussions highlighted the role of emerging technologies and AI tools in improving both financial

and non-financial services, particularly for MSMEs and financially excluded individuals, enabling

them to meet their diverse financial needs The sessions emphasized the importance of leveraging

digital banking solutions to modernize the sector, streamline operations, and create innovative

solutions that support Egypt’s vision of inclusive economic growth

Promoting Innovation and Capacity Building in Egypt’s Banking Sector

This initiative reflects the Central Bank and EBRD’s commitment to fostering banking sector innovation

capacity building, and promoting inclusive and sustainable financial growth As part of these efforts

the CBE continues to prioritize financial inclusion in line with Egypt’s Vision 2030, focusing on expanding

access to banking services and economic empowerment of citizens through digital financial solutions

The results of these initiatives are evident as of June 2025, the financial inclusion rate in Egypt

reached 76.3%, representing a 214% increase since 2016. Similarly, lending portfolios directed to

MSMEs have grown by 395% over the same period

Central Bank: Driving Sustainable Financial Growth

Egypt, a founding member of the EBRD, has benefited from over EUR 13.5 billion in investments

across 206 projects since the Central Bank began operations in 2012. This long-term partnership highlights

Egypt’s commitment to financial sector innovation, inclusive growth, and the adoption of digital

solutions in banking The MasterTalks series marks a significant step toward fostering financial inclusion

technological innovation, and sustainable growth in Egypt’s banking sector, providing a model for other

emerging markets to follow