Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation witnessed Banque Misr signing the first-of-its-kind sustainability-linked loan for a financial institution in the Middle East and North Africa, valued at USD 100 million. The loan is fully provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), with First Abu Dhabi Bank acting as the Sustainability Structuring Advisor for the transaction.
This step comes as part of Banque Misr’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable development in Egypt and aligns with the state's vision for an inclusive and green economy. The signing took place on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. The agreement was signed on behalf of Banque Misr by Hisham Okasha, Chief Executive Officer, and on behalf of the EBRD by Francis Malige, Managing Director and Head of Financial Institutions Business Group, in the presence of senior executives from both institutions. This credit facility constitutes a strategic alliance underpinned by a convergent vision shared by both entities, and a seminal undertaking in alignment with Egypt's Vision 2030, thereby bolstering endeavors towards sustainable economic development.
Banque Misr is poised to channel these investments into core pillars designed to foster sustainable growth, specifically: the empowerment of women through the provision of support to women-led small, medium, and micro enterprises; the expansion of access to affordable housing for individuals of low income; and the acceleration of the transition towards a low-carbon economy through the endorsement of green projects. This undertaking underscores the Bank's unwavering commitment to drive positive impact and long-term value creation.
Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation and Egypt's Governor at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), underscored the Ministry's collaborative efforts with international partners to galvanize resources and catalyze private sector investment, specifically within the ambit of green transformation initiatives, as part of a holistic strategic framework aimed at realizing sustainable development. Consequently, concessional financing extended to the private sector has seen an increment, surpassing USD 15.6 billion since 2020. She lauded the strategic partnership forged with the EBRD, which allocates a significant proportion of its portfolio—exceeding 28%—to financial institutions, as an integral component of its overarching private sector support endeavors.
She also underscored the paramount significance of the concerted endeavors undertaken by the Central Bank of Egypt and the Financial Regulatory Authority in refining the regulatory framework governing the financial sector. This consequential action facilitates the introduction of novel financial instruments and sophisticated products into the marketplace, thereby augmenting financial inclusion and expediting the transition towards sustainable financing paradigms.
Mr. Hisham Okasha, CEO of Banque Misr, highlighted that this loan agreement unequivocally demonstrates the Bank's steadfast commitment to Egypt’s sustainable development. This transcends a mere financial transaction; it rather epitomizes Banque Misr's unwavering dedication to accelerating the green transition, fostering financial inclusion and driving the systemic change, through efficacious and impactful strategic partnerships. This collaborative endeavor signifies a salient advancement within Banque Misr's protracted legacy of pioneering initiatives and consolidates its stature as a pivotal catalyst for sustainable development by utilizing innovative financing solutions and fortifying collaborative ties with International financial institutions. Such contributions are instrumental in building a resilient national economy, adept at surmounting environmental and social challenges and realizing paramount sustainable development imperatives.
Okasha also underscored that Banque Misr stands as a pioneer within the banking sector for its integration of sustainability and sustainable finance pillars into its activities. Banque Misr holds the distinction of being the first state-owned bank to publish its annual business reports in adherence to the rigorous standards set forth by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC). Furthermore, it was among the inaugural banks to endorse the United Nations Principles for Responsible Banking (UNEP FI).
Okasha lauded the concerted endeavors of the teams representing all involved entities in the successful culmination of one of the most salient transactions executed by Banque Misr. This exemplary professionalism facilitated the efficacious conclusion of the aforementioned agreement, thereby reaffirming Banque Misr's unwavering commitment to advancing sustainable development initiatives across Egypt.
Mr. Francis Malige, Managing Director, Financial Institutions Group, EBRD, said: “This is a landmark transaction—not just for Banque Misr and the EBRD, but for the broader MENA region. Sustainability is important across the world, but it is particularly important in this region which combines climate and water stress. This signing also reflects the strong partnership EBRD and Banque Misr have built over the years and sends a clear signal: sustainability and commercial performance can go hand in hand. We're pleased to support Banque Misr as it grows its green lending and expands access to finance for segments that are too often underserved.”
Banque Misr spares no effort in elevating the distinction of its services, perpetuating its enduring success, and assiduously engages in protocols, pioneering initiatives, and strategic alliances designed to address the evolving requirements of its clientele. Banque Misr consistently functions as a pivotal catalyst for national and strategic developmental progression, propelled by its steadfast commitment to sustainability and perpetual enhancement.
