EGYPT TO UNVEIL AFRICA’S FIRST FULLY DIGITAL-NATIVE BANK IN 2026

Egypt is set to launch Onebank, its first fully digital-native bank, in 2026, marking a major step toward financial inclusion and a cashless economy.

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The Central Bank of Egypt
The Central Bank of Egypt



Egypt is moving closer to a fintech revolution as it prepares to launch Onebank, its first fully digital-native bank, in 2026. The project, backed by Banque Misr’s Misr Digital Innovation (MDI), has received approval from the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), marking a milestone in the country’s ambition to modernize its financial system and boost financial inclusion.

Unlike traditional banks, Onebank will exist entirely online, offering services such as account opening, transfers, loans, savings, and investments without a single physical branch. Customers will be able to manage their finances directly through smartphones and computers, a move expected to cut costs, improve convenience, and bring millions of unbanked Egyptians into the formal financial system.

The digital bank’s launch has been in the pipeline since 2024, when the CBE first granted preliminary approval. MDI has since invested EGP 2.5 billion in the project, with plans to increase its capital base to EGP 5.5 billion by mid-2025, ensuring strong financial backing ahead of its debut.

Industry experts believe the creation of Onebank is more than a banking experiment; it is an Egyptian attempt to position itself as a regional leader in digital finance. By championing a fully online banking model, Egypt aims to attract fintech investments, expand digital payments, and reduce reliance on cash-based transactions.

The broader impact could extend beyond Egypt. Analysts suggest that Onebank’s success may inspire similar models across Africa, where countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa are already advancing digital banking ecosystems.

For the Egyptian government, the move is squarely within its digital transformation agenda. Officials see Onebank as a tool to strengthen transparency in financial transactions, empower small businesses, and integrate underserved communities into the national economy.

If the project delivers on its promise, Onebank could disrupt Egypt’s banking landscape and accelerate the shift from brick-and-mortar institutions to digital-first solutions. With 2026 set as the launch date, the spotlight is now on whether Egypt can turn its bold fintech vision into a sustainable reality.

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