Expanding Digital Payment Infrastructure
Egypt’s Ministry of Planning and Economic Development is evaluating the introduction of advanced electronic payment instruments to increase accessibility for users both domestically and internationally. Minister Ahmed Rostom announced the initiative during a meeting with representatives from the National Investment Bank (NIB) and its subsidiaries, including NI Capital, Ayady, and Sahl.
The effort aims to integrate the capabilities of NIB and its affiliates to support the government’s development plans. The ministry intends to utilize new technologies to enhance public service delivery, following directives from President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and recommendations from the Egypt Forum 2026. Rostom stated that the ministry will establish a timeline and specific key performance indicators to monitor the implementation of these services.
Institutional Cooperation and Service Automation
The meeting included discussions on strengthening cooperation between Ayady and Sahl to streamline government operations. Rostom noted that existing partnerships, such as the collaboration between Sahl and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have already enabled Egyptians living abroad to pay public service fees via a mobile application.
The ministry plans to prioritize the development of digital tools to automate government services. Officials stated that these measures are intended to improve the overall transparency and efficiency of public sector operations for citizens.
Why it matters: This initiative represents a broader effort by the Egyptian government to modernize its public sector infrastructure. By expanding digital payment options, the state aims to improve service delivery for both domestic residents and the large Egyptian expatriate population, while increasing the transparency of financial transactions across government agencies.