The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) launched a MasterTalks masterclass series, in cooperation with the Federation of Egyptian Banks, to promote inclusive banking practices and support knowledge-sharing and innovation across Egypt’s banking sector. The inaugural session convened bank financial inclusion managers, heads of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and ecosystem stakeholders including the Credit Guarantee Company, the Egyptian Credit Bureau (i-Score) and the Egyptian Banking Institute. Discussions focused on digital transformation and the operational use of artificial intelligence, including emerging-market use cases and how AI tools could expand access to financial and non-financial services for individuals and MSMEs. The CBE linked the initiative to its financial inclusion agenda, citing a financial inclusion rate of 76.3% as of June 2025 and 214% growth since 2016, alongside 395% growth in banks’ MSME lending portfolios over the same period.
Central Bank of Egypt 2025-12-14
Central Bank of Egypt and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development launch MasterTalks masterclass series on inclusive banking and digital transformation
The Central Bank of Egypt and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development launched a MasterTalks masterclass series to promote inclusive banking and innovation in Egypt. The inaugural session focused on digital transformation and AI's role in expanding access to services for individuals and MSMEs. This initiative aligns with the CBE's financial inclusion agenda, reporting a 76.3% inclusion rate and significant growth in MSME lending portfolios.