Central Bank of Egypt and IFC Host Sustainable Finance Conference 2026: “Innovating for Resilience”
In a significant move to bolster green finance policies, the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), inaugurated a landmark sustainable finance conference on Sunday, February 15, 2026. Held under the theme “Innovating for Resilience: Financing for a Sustainable Future,” the event marks a pivotal moment for Egypt’s banking sector and its transition toward a low-carbon economy.
High-Level Global Participation
The conference featured keynote remarks from prominent leaders, including:
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Mr. Hassan Abdalla, Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt.
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Mr. Ethiopis Tafara, IFC’s Regional Vice President for Africa.
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Dr. Mohamed Farid, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade.
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Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The event was also attended by key Egyptian officials, including Dr. Ahmed Rostom, Minister of Planning, and Dr. Samar Abdel Wahed, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Cooperation.
CBE Strategy: From Environmental Concerns to Financial Stability
During his speech, H.E. Mr. Hassan Abdalla emphasized that climate change has evolved into a core financial issue. He highlighted the CBE’s proactive role in the banking sector’s transition, citing the Sustainable Finance Guiding Principles (2021), the Binding Regulations (2022), and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) directive (2025).
“Our participation in this forum aims to promote financial and banking stability efforts and strengthen the long-term competitiveness of Egypt’s economy,” stated Governor Abdalla.
Strategic Partnerships: IFC and Egypt’s Private Sector
Mr. Ethiopis Tafara of the IFC noted that for fifty years, the IFC has worked with Egypt to transform economic challenges into development opportunities. Through investment and advisory roles, the IFC continues to support national priorities ranging from sustainable energy to MSME development, fostering a more inclusive Egyptian economy.
Key Outcomes: Mobilizing Capital and Green Innovation
The conference served as a vital platform for dialogue between senior policymakers and private sector leaders. Panel discussions focused on four critical pillars:
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Mobilization of private capital for climate action.
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Innovative financing instruments for green projects.
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Regulatory frameworks and policy enablers.
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Building resilient financial systems capable of addressing climate risks.
Experts also highlighted the economic benefits of the green transition, such as job creation in sectors like agricultural technology (Agri-tech).
Landmark Agreements with Banque Misr and EBank
On the sidelines of the event, two major cooperation protocols were signed to accelerate green lending:
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Banque Misr & IFC: A sustainability loan of up to USD 220 million was approved. This includes a USD 150 million three-year investment to grow Banque Misr’s green portfolio.
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EBank & IFC: An advisory program was launched to develop robust data governance. This will help EBank accurately track and report on climate-positive projects.
Part of the IFC 30by30 Program
This conference was organized under the IFC’s 30by30 Program, a global initiative involving Egypt, Mexico, South Africa, and the Philippines. Led by the IFC and the World Bank Group, the program aims to support a global transition toward an inclusive and sustainable economy.
