During 2025, the National Bank of Egypt (NBE) continued to strengthen its support for the small and medium enterprises (SME) sector.. Soha El-Turky, Deputy CEO of the bank, confirmed that the SME financing portfolio reached approximately EGP 192 billion, serving a customer base of 112,000 clients across various governorates of Egypt. This reflects the broad scope of support the bank provides to diverse economic activities nationwide.
El-Turky explained that this support goes beyond financial solutions, extending to non-financial services as well. Through 25 Business Development Centers, the bank delivered more than 70,000 non-financial services, benefiting over 68,000 individuals in the areas of training, consultancy, and capacity building. This comes within the framework of partnerships with international development institutions specializing in knowledge transfer and the implementation of global best practices to help entrepreneurs succeed, expand, and sustain their businesses.
She added that the bank places strong emphasis on sustainable finance by supporting projects that create a positive environmental and social impact. In addition, the bank has provided credit lines in cooperation with international financial institutions, offering flexible and diversified financing solutions tailored to various needs. By the end of September 2025, financing facilities worth EGP 3 billion had been granted to more than 150 projects.
El-Turky also highlighted the bank’s continued development of digital services and electronic payment systems. Meeza cards have been issued to microfinance clients to facilitate banking transactions and enhance access to financial services, contributing to digital transformation and financial inclusion efforts.
18,000 new clients
Nader Saad, Executive Head of Small and Medium Enterprises at NBE, stated that in 2025 the bank successfully attracted 18,000 new clients, with financing distributed in a balanced manner across industrial, agricultural, service, and commercial sectors.
He noted that the bank pays particular attention to contract farming and food industries, as these sectors connect farmers with manufacturers and help stabilize incomes for both parties. Financing directed to these activities amounted to approximately EGP 20 billion.
Saad further emphasized that the bank has developed specialized centers for medium enterprises and excellence centers, totaling 45 centers. These centers provide comprehensive services, including financing, technical support, and consultancy, to help business owners grow and compete effectively.
He also pointed out that the bank continues to implement its standardized “Al Ahly Business” programs, which aim to integrate informal businesses into the formal economy. A total of 71,000 projects have benefited from these programs, with financing amounting to EGP 31 billion, thereby expanding the base of clients benefiting from the bank’s specialized initiatives.
Saad affirmed that the bank pays special attention to young entrepreneurs and implements dedicated programs to support and economically empower women. He stressed the bank’s ongoing focus on productive, industrial, and agricultural sectors, in alignment with Egypt’s development plans, through comprehensive financing programs in addition to training and consultancy services that help entrepreneurs achieve their ambitions.
