Egyptian banks' half-year profit surges 36% to $7.2 billion

Central Bank of Egypt figures show that banks earned a net profit of EGP373.1 bn ($7.2 bn) in the first half of 2026, marking a 35.7% rise over the same period last year. Profit concentration is high: the ten largest lenders accounted for 81.5% of sector earnings and the five biggest banks delivered 70.1% of the total. Net interest income was EGP567.9 bn, operating income EGP795 bn, and expenses EGP421.9 bn.

Return on average equity was 33.9% in June, unchanged since March but down from 39% in December 2025, while return on assets was 2.6% and net interest margin 5.2%. The Central Bank kept its overnight deposit and lending rates at 19% and 20% after a 100-basis-point cut in February, amid inflation that eased to 14.5% in August. Government securities made up about 32% of bank assets, and private-sector borrowers received 40.5% of total lending.