• EBRD grants $100 million loan to Banque Misr to expand credit access for SMEs and women-led businesses.

• Loan supports Egypt’s green finance goals and sustainable development.

• Partnership furthers EBRD’s long-term investment in Egypt’s private sector and green economy.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) approved a $100 million loan to Banque Misr on July 11. The loan targets micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), especially women-led businesses, and supports environmental projects aligned with sustainable development goals.

MSMEs power Egypt’s economy, forming 98% of businesses and contributing more than 40% of GDP. They employ a large share of the private workforce but often struggle to access financing. Barriers include poor collateral, limited knowledge of banking products, and administrative hurdles. This loan aims to ease those challenges.

Targeted measures for women entrepreneurs

The funding prioritizes women entrepreneurs, who face even tougher access to credit—particularly in rural and peri-urban areas. Banque Misr already runs a program advising women-led SMEs, and this new loan will strengthen financial inclusion for this group.

The loan also ties into Egypt’s green transition strategy. It will enhance Banque Misr’s green lending and build its capacity in sustainable finance, advancing the country’s environmental goals.

A long-term partnership with the EBRD

Banque Misr has worked with the EBRD since 2017, securing multiple financing lines for SMEs, trade, and green projects. This $100 million loan marks a further step in deepening that cooperation.

Since launching in Egypt in 2012, the EBRD has invested over €13.3 billion ($15.5 billion) in 202 projects, with 61% supporting the private sector.

Globally, the EBRD increased green economy financing to €9.7 billion in 2024, up from €6.5 billion in 2023. Green investments now account for 58% of total financing, surpassing the target of 50%. Projects with a “Gender SMART” focus grew 33% year-on-year, financing 272 operations worldwide.

Chamberline Moko