The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) announced on Sunday that the country’s net international reserves increased to $49.250bn in August 2025, up from $49.036bn in July — a monthly gain of approximately $214m.
According to the CBE, the value of gold holdings within the reserves rose significantly to $14.088bn in August, compared to $13.639bn in July — an increase of $449m.
Meanwhile, foreign currency holdings declined slightly by $94m, falling to $35.122bn from $35.216bn. The value of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) also decreased, dropping to $43m from $183m — a decline of $140m.
Since the beginning of 2025, Egypt’s foreign reserves have grown by roughly $2.141bn, after closing 2024 at $47.109bn.
Egypt’s reserves comprise a diversified basket of major international currencies — including the US dollar, euro, British pound, Japanese yen, and Chinese yuan. The allocation is guided by the relative strength and stability of these currencies in global markets, in line with the central bank’s strategy.
The primary role of the CBE’s foreign reserves — which include both gold and foreign currencies — is to cover essential imports, service external debt, and act as a buffer during economic shocks, particularly when foreign currency inflows from sectors like tourism and Suez Canal revenues are disrupted.
