The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) announced that the country’s net international reserves exceeded the $50 billion mark for the first time in history, reaching $50.071bn in October 2025, up from $49.534bn in September — an increase of $537m.
According to the CBE’s monthly report on foreign reserve developments, the value of gold holdings within the reserves rose to $16.545bn in October, up from $15.843bn in September, marking an increase of $702m.
Meanwhile, the value of foreign currencies included in the reserves declined to $33.350bn in October from $33.649bn in September, a decrease of $299m. The balance of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) rose to $179m, up from $44m, recording an increase of $135m.
Egypt’s foreign reserves are composed of a basket of major international currencies, including the US dollar, euro, British pound, Japanese yen, and Chinese yuan. The allocation of these holdings is adjusted based on global currency exchange rates and stability, according to strategies set by CBE officials.
The primary function of Egypt’s foreign currency reserves, which comprise both gold and international currencies, is to secure essential imports, service external debt obligations — including principal and interest payments — and provide a buffer for the economy during exceptional circumstances, particularly when inflows from key foreign currency-generating sectors are affected.
