Egypt's financial inclusion rate hits 77.6% by 2025

These active accounts are not limited to banks but also include postal services, mobile wallets, and prepaid cards.

By: Business Today Staff

Tue, Feb. 17, 2026

Financial inclusion rates in Egypt increased to 77.6% by the end of 2025 due to Efforts by the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE).

This translates to 54.7 million citizens having active accounts that allow them to conduct financial transactions, out of a total of 70.5 million citizens aged 15 and older, representing a growth rate of 219% from 2016 to 2025.

These active accounts are not limited to banks but also include postal services, mobile wallets, and prepaid cards.

This success reflects the achievement of the Financial Inclusion Strategy (2022-2025), which has effectively met its goals and contributed to sustainable economic growth for all segments of society.

Key indicators from the Central Bank's financial inclusion database show a significant increase in access to financial services.

Notably, the financial inclusion rate for women saw a remarkable surge, rising from 19.1% in 2016 to 71.4% by the end of 2025, with a growth rate of 316% during this period.

 The inclusion rate for youth in the 15-35 age group also increased, from 36.3% in 2020 to 56.8%, marking a 79% growth during the same period.

This progress is attributed to the launch of targeted programs and projects aimed at empowering women and youth, and increasing the participation of underserved groups in the formal financial system.

Continuing with its scientific approach, the CBE is now preparing the second phase of the Financial Inclusion Strategy (2026-2030), in collaboration with ministries including Planning, Finance, Communications and Information Technology, Agriculture, Social Solidarity, Justice, Education, Higher Education, Supply and Internal Trade, Youth and Sports, and Investment and Foreign Trade.

Coordination is also underway with the Financial Regulatory Authority, Egypt Post, the National Council for Women, the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Authority, and the Internal Trade Development Authority.

The new strategy will be based on the results of a current field survey, conducted with the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics, and supported by the World Bank and International Finance Corporation.

The aim is to identify financial service usage patterns, pinpoint obstacles, and address gaps, ensuring that financial inclusion policies are based on solid scientific foundations to promote savings, financing, and growth while enhancing citizens' ability to cope with economic challenges.

The strategy aims to expand the use of financial services and products by promoting digital solutions and innovation, supporting the transition to a green economy through sustainable finance tools, raising financial literacy through educational programs, and boosting confidence in the financial sector through customer protection measures.

Additionally, it will focus on supporting the growth and sustainability of small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurs, fostering public-private partnerships, and further developing the financial and technological infrastructure.