CBE Signs Digital Data-Sharing Protocol to Boost Banking Access, Financial Inclusion

The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) signed a cooperation protocol with the General Authority for Internal Trade Development to enable electronic access to commercial registry data for banks, in a move aimed at accelerating digital transformation and improving financial inclusion across the economy.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Hassan Abdalla and Sherif Farouk, marking a step toward integrating government databases with the banking sector.

The protocol was signed by Sherif Lotfy and Hossam El-Garhy.

Under the agreement, banks will gain electronic access to the national commercial registry database, including unified commercial registration numbers and detailed company information.

This data integration is expected to significantly improve the quality and reliability of corporate information available to financial institutions, enabling faster and more accurate banking services.

According to Central Bank Governor Hassan Abdalla, the initiative will enhance the quality of corporate data across businesses of all sizes, expanding access to financial services and supporting sustainable economic growth.

He said the initiative aligns with Egypt’s broader vision for a knowledge-based economy, while also improving competitiveness, employment opportunities, and financial system efficiency.

The enhanced data infrastructure will allow banks to build more accurate risk assessments, design tailored financial products, and expand lending to small and micro enterprises, particularly women-led businesses and informal-sector participants.

Minister Sherif Farouk said the agreement reflects the state’s commitment to digital transformation, highlighting ongoing efforts by the General Authority for Internal Trade to modernize government services and reduce reliance on paper-based procedures.

He noted that data-driven decision-making is becoming a key pillar of public administration reform, helping improve efficiency and service delivery.

The protocol is also expected to strengthen Egypt’s national financial inclusion database, improve access to credit, and support the formalization of informal economic activity.

It further contributes to narrowing financing gaps, enhancing Egypt’s position in global business environment indicators, and advancing the country’s long-term development strategy under Egypt Vision 2030.