Egypt’s financial inclusion rate continued to rise, reaching 79% in June 2026, with 56.4 million citizens owning active accounts that enable them to perform financial transactions, out of a total of 71.4 million citizens aged 15 and above. The progress reflects the sustained efforts of the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) and the wider financial sector to promote financial inclusion and expand access to financial services across all segments of society.
Active financial accounts include bank accounts, postal accounts, mobile wallets, and prepaid cards. Women’s financial inclusion rate increased significantly from 19.1% in 2016 to 72.5% in June 2026, representing growth of 327% over the period. Likewise, the financial inclusion rate among youth aged 15 to 35 rose from 36.3% in 2020 to 58% in June 2026, marking growth of 85%. These gains were driven by targeted programmes and initiatives designed to enhance the economic empowerment of women and young people while integrating underserved groups into the formal financial system.
The CBE said these achievements demonstrate the success of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (2022–2025) in meeting its objectives and supporting sustainable economic growth across all segments of society. The strategy was developed and implemented in coordination with relevant ministries and authorities. The progress is also reflected in the core indicators issued by the CBE’s Financial Inclusion Datahub, which showed substantial growth in both the ownership and use of financial services, with financial inclusion expanding by 229% between 2016 and June 2026.
The results also reflect ongoing cooperation with relevant ministries and government entities in implementing a range of projects and initiatives. Among the most prominent are the presidential “Decent Life” (Haya Karima) initiative, the “Transforming the Livelihoods of Smallholder Farmers” project, and programmes targeting women and youth, implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the National Council for Women.
As part of the CBE’s evidence-based approach to achieving its strategic objectives, the Second National Financial Inclusion Strategy (2026–2030) is currently being developed in collaboration with relevant ministries and authorities. The new strategy adopts a comprehensive approach that goes beyond expanding access to financial services by promoting their effective, secure, and sustainable use. It also seeks to support businesses and entrepreneurs while accelerating the integration of the informal economy into the formal sector.
The strategy is being developed using a comprehensive methodology for measuring financial inclusion from both the supply and demand sides, strengthening its three core dimensions: access, usage, and quality of financial services. It also draws on the findings of a financial services demand-side survey conducted during the first quarter of 2026 with technical assistance from the World Bank (WB) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and implemented in cooperation with the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS). The survey aims to identify existing gaps and barriers to the effective use of financial services and support the development of evidence-based policies.
The strategy also aims to expand the use of financial services and products by advancing digital solutions and innovation, supporting the transition to a green economy through sustainable finance instruments, and raising financial awareness through financial education and literacy programmes. In addition, it seeks to strengthen confidence in the financial sector by enhancing consumer protection, supporting the growth and sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs, fostering public-private partnerships, and further developing Egypt’s financial and technological infrastructure.
