• Egypt’s Central Bank (CBE) reported a notable increase of 131 million USD in the country’s foreign reserves for the month of October.
  
• Foreign reserves comprise approximately $8.1 billion in gold, $26.63 billion in foreign currency, and $371 million in special drawing rights (SDRs).
  
• Egypt took strategic steps such as issuing yen-denominated bonds worth $1 billion in August and another $500 million in yuan-denominated bonds in October.
  
• In August, Egypt reported a foreign assets deficit of nearly $25.92 billion.
  
• Egypt aims to collect $191 billion in US dollar revenues by 2026, indicating its commitment to diversify income streams and fortify its financial position.

The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) announced its foreign reserves surged to 131 million USD in October, according to recent data.

The CBE holds approximately 8.1 billion USD in gold, 26.63 billion USD in foreign currency, and 371 million USD in special drawing rights (SDRs), an international reserve asset established by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to bolster the official reserves of its member countries. 

In a bid to boost its foreign currency reserves, Egypt has taken several crucial steps. 

In August, the country issued 1 billion USD in yen-denominated bonds, followed by an additional issuance of 500 millionUSD in yuan-denominated bonds in October. 

The efforts represent a strategic shift towards diversifying funding sources, reducing reliance on foreign exchange reserves, and enhancing financial stability. 

Egypt secured a loan agreement with the state-run China Development Bank, receiving 956.61 million USD.

This financial support has played a significant role in shoring up Egypt’s foreign currency reserves, bolstering the country’s economic position. 

Addressing the financial gap, Egypt has set its sights on addressing a projected 17 billion USD financing gap by 2026, with a specific focus on covering $6-8 billion of this amount in the fiscal year 2023/2024. 

As part of Egypt’s financial strategy, a key component entails honoring its obligations to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) through a four-year, $3 billion loan program.

The program stipulates a series of essential economic reforms, including the adoption of a flexible exchange rate. 

By adhering to the IMF‘s requirements, Egypt aims to improve its economic stability and build a solid foundation for long-term growth. 

Egypt is facing the challenge of servicing its external debt, which currently stands at 165.3 billion USD. Over the next three years, the country is expected to make debt service payments totaling $71.6 billion, with a substantial payment of 29.23 billion USD due in 2024. The availability of adequate foreign currency reserves is critical to meet these financial obligations and avoid potential financial crises. 

In August, Egypt reported a foreign assets deficit of nearly 25.92 billion USD. The deficit highlights the urgent need to strengthen foreign currency reserves, ensuring the nation can meet its international financial commitments and maintain economic stability. 

The country aims to collect 191 billion in US dollar revenues by 2026, reflecting its commitment to diversifying income streams and fortifying its financial position.