Egypt’s net international reserves reach $52.6 billion

February 21, 2026 / 8:52 PM

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt Hassan Abdalla

Sharjah 24 – WAM: Egypt’s net international reserves rose to $52.6 billion in January 2026, according to discussions held during a high-level meeting reviewing developments in the banking sector and monetary policy.

Strengthening financial stability

Presidential Spokesman Mohamed El-Shennawy stated that the meeting highlighted achievements in 2025 that reflect the continued strength of financial soundness indicators, the resilience of the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), and the banking sector’s ability to support macroeconomic stability.

The Central Bank Governor noted that the latest reserve figure marks a historic recovery from $33.1 billion in August 2022, providing coverage for approximately 6.9 months of commodity imports, exceeding global benchmark levels.

Growth in net foreign assets

The meeting also reviewed the significant increase in the banking sector’s net foreign assets, which reached $25.5 billion in December 2025, the highest level since February 2020. This growth was driven by commercial banks’ net foreign assets totaling $12.2 billion, alongside a record surge in Egyptians’ remittances from abroad.

Boost from tourism and investment

The rise was further supported by higher tourism revenues and increased direct and indirect foreign investments in Egyptian government debt instruments. Meanwhile, the Central Bank’s net foreign assets stood at $15.1 billion in January 2026, reinforcing Egypt’s improving external financial position.