61% Growth in United Bank’s SME and Microfinance Portfolio in 2026
22/06/2026
The United Bank’s SME and Microfinance portfolio grows by 61% in 2026, reaching 32% of the total bank Portfolio based on 31/12/2020 financial position
Tarek Fayed – Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director:
• A major leap in the indicators of the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) portfolio.
• 4 pillars of an ambitious strategy to expand the financing of micro, small, and medium enterprises.
• Backed by expansion plans to enhance the role of the private sector and sustainable finance.
• MSMEs are the fastest-growing engine of the national economy.
• The United Bank shifts from a financing perspective to economic empowerment.
Cairo: June 22, 2026
The United Bank announced 61% growth in its micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) portfolio during 2026, reaching 32% of the bank's total portfolio based on the financial position as of 31/12/2020. The share of small enterprises reached 12%. This growth is backed by an ambitious expansion strategy aimed at maximizing financing volumes across various economic activities and sectors, with the ultimate goal of strengthening the private sector's role in the growth of the national economy.
This is being achieved through a comprehensive financing and technical framework operating across 4 main pillars that combine human element training and development, geographical expansion, the launch of specialized financing products, and the economic empowerment of various social segments, such as women and youth.
First: Training and Capacity Building Pillar
The United Bank aims to build the capacities of its teamwork and qualify a professional generation to support and empower owners of productive, industrial, and service projects. This is being implemented through the establishment of The United Bank MSMEs Academy (UB SMEs Academy), which specializes in preparing and training a new generation of specialized banking talents, as well as upgrading the efficiency of current teams. This contributes to enhancing the role of the SME sector as one of the main drivers of economic growth in Egypt.
Second: Geographical Expansion Pillar
Across the governorates of the republic, particularly in industrial zones and new urban communities. The United Bank is increasing its SME business centers to reach 15 centers across 7 governorates to provide integrated packages of financial and non-financial services. These centers provide a diverse range of advisory services and facilitate financing procedures, thereby accelerating the growth of these projects and reducing operational challenges.
Third: Specialized Financing Pillar
By designing a number of specialized financing programs targeting specific sectors, including the medical sector, the commercial transport sector, along with several other productive and service activities.
Fourth: Economic Empowerment of Social Segments Pillar
This pillar promotes financial stability and independence in economic decision-making by offering a bundle of financial inclusion products, digital services, and specialized financing programs to support entrepreneurs, especially women and youth. This is in addition to the training and advisory services provided by The United Bank through the "Ruwad Nile" (Nile Pioneers) centers. These centers work on preparing and qualifying small enterprises to secure financing from banks and financial institutions by providing technical support, consultancy, and capacity building, which helps increase financing opportunities and reduce credit risks.
Tarek Fayed, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, The United Bank, emphasized that SME sector is one of the main pillars for national economic growth and a driver for achieving Egypt Vision 2030. Furthermore, it plays a pivotal role in strengthening supply chains and supporting integration between various economic sectors, which contributes to increasing productivity, creating job opportunities, and achieving sustainable development.
He explained that developing SME sector plays a central role in providing job opportunities, improving income levels, and promoting economic empowerment, particularly for women and youth. The sector also supports the national economy by increasing local production, substituting imports with competitive quality local products, boosting exports, and opening new markets for Egyptian products. This reflects positively on the trade balance, enhances the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy, and supports the achievement of sustainable development goals.
Pointing out that the developmental impact of this sector extends far beyond economic indicators due to its role in supporting the stability of local communities, curbing illegal migration, and contributing to the development of the most needed areas. This, in turn, enhances the efficiency of the economic and social infrastructure and achieves balanced and sustainable development across different parts of the republic.
He stressed that the current phase requires maximizing the role of the private sector as a partner in the development process and a driving force for building a national industrial and productive base capable of competing.
Within the framework of The United Bank's strategic direction towards expanding the financing of micro, small, and medium enterprises and strengthening its role in supporting this vital sector, the bank is working on providing an integrated ecosystem of specialized and innovative financing solutions. This aims to solidify the culture of production, deepen local components, and elevate the quality of Egyptian products, thereby enabling national industries to expand and launch into regional and international markets, and maximizing exports across various sectors.
End
