Central Bank of Egypt, EBRD launch MasterTalks to boost banking innovation, financial inclusion

The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) launched on Sunday a Masterclass series called MasterTalks. The programme aims to promote inclusive banking and drive innovation across Egypt’s financial sector. The initiative is held in cooperation with the Federation of Egyptian Banks (FEB).

The first session brought together heads of MSMEs, financial inclusion managers, and key financial stakeholders, including the Credit Guarantee Company, the Egyptian Credit Bureau (i-Score), and the Egyptian Banking Institute. International speakers discussed challenges in using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and shared global examples for emerging markets.

According to the CBE statement, each MasterTalk will focus on digital transformation in banking. Discussions highlighted how AI and new technologies can improve access to financial and non-financial services for individuals and MSMEs.

The programme underscores the CBE and EBRD’s commitment to fostering innovation, building sector capacity, and promoting sustainable growth. It also aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030, which places financial inclusion and economic empowerment at the heart of national development.

These efforts build on Egypt’s recent achievements in financial inclusion. As of June 2025, the inclusion rate reached 76.3 per cent, a 214 per cent increase since 2016, while lending to MSMEs grew by 395 per cent over the same period. In parallel, Egypt, a founding member of the EBRD, has received over EUR 13.5 billion in investments across 206 projects since 2012, reflecting growing international support for the country’s financial and economic development.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English