Egypt’s Financial Inclusion Reaches 76.6% with 63 Million Banked Citizens, Says NBE CEO
Mohamed El-Etreby, CEO of the National Bank of Egypt (NBE), announced that Egypt’s financial inclusion rate has reached 76.6% in 2025, with 63 million adults now having access to banking services — a remarkable leap from just 15% in 2016.
Speaking in a televised interview with journalist Lamees El Hadidy on Al-Soura program on Al-Nahar TV, El-Etreby outlined the details of the “Open Your Account in Egypt” initiative launched by the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) in collaboration with NBE and Banque Misr.
Expanding Access for Egyptians Abroad
El-Etreby explained that the initiative focuses on enhancing financial inclusion, particularly for Egyptians living abroad. The program has been rolled out in 16 countries through Egyptian embassies and consulates, enabling expatriates to open bank accounts remotely under simplified conditions.
To open an account, applicants need only present a valid national ID or passport and sign an account opening form. Customers may open accounts with a maximum limit of USD 15,000 or EGP 750,000, and can access a range of services, including payment cards and investment certificates, within those limits.
“If a customer wishes to exceed the maximum limit,” El-Etreby noted, “they can do so after completing the required Know Your Customer (KYC) documents or by visiting a bank branch upon returning to Egypt.”
Promoting Long-Term Financial Inclusion
El-Etreby emphasized that these limits are part of a phased approach designed to encourage participation and build trust among new clients, particularly those who have never held bank accounts before. He also confirmed that the initiative is not time-bound and will continue as part of Egypt’s broader strategy to strengthen financial inclusion.
“Our goal is to bring more Egyptians — at home and abroad — into the formal financial system,” El-Etreby said, adding that the initiative aligns with the Central Bank’s vision of expanding access to banking services for all segments of society.