NBE’s investment subsidiary joins MNT-Halan’s shareholder base as the fintech unicorn pursues growth in Egypt and regional markets

MNT-Halan has secured an investment from Al Ahly Capital, the investment subsidiary of the National Bank of Egypt (NBE). The fintech’s valuation now stands at USD 1.4 billion. The transaction marks the first closing of an ongoing investment round, with a second closing expected later. 

The investment brings one of Egypt’s largest financial institutions into the shareholder base of MNT-Halan for the first time. The move reflects growing alignment between traditional banking institutions and fintech platforms. This comes as both seek to expand access to financial services across underserved segments of the economy.

Why You Should Care

The deal comes as Egypt’s fintech sector continues to attract institutional capital. Regulators have also increased support for digital financial services as part of broader efforts to expand financial inclusion and accelerate digital transformation.

For MNT-Halan, the investment provides additional capital to strengthen its position in Egypt while supporting expansion across regional markets. For Al Ahly Capital, the transaction adds a major fintech platform to its private equity portfolio and deepens its exposure to non-bank financial services

“While we have partnered with more than 30 Egyptian banks, this is the first time a banking institution has become an equity partner in our journey, making this a particularly important milestone for us. Together, we will redefine access to financial services for small and micro businesses, as well as people living in remote towns and villages across Egypt who have historically been underserved,”

Mounir Nakhla, Founder and Chairman of MNT-Halan

Founded in 2018, MNT-Halan is a fintech unicorn aiming to improve lives by transforming access to financial services through technology. It provides business and consumer loans, prepaid cards, e-wallets, investments, and e-commerce services. This is through the Halan app and a nationwide physical presence

Looking ahead, with the new funding, it aims to expand operations in Egypt while advancing its regional growth strategy.

The Ripple 

The transaction highlights a broader trend in Egypt’s financial sector. Traditional banks are increasingly partnering with fintech companies to reach customers who remain outside the formal banking system.

As fintech adoption rises across the region, investments from established financial institutions could become more common. These partnerships offer fintech companies access to capital and networks while helping banks expand their digital reach.

What to Watch

MNT-Halan’s next phase of growth will likely focus on strengthening its Egyptian business while expanding across Gulf markets. The anticipated second closing of the investment round may also provide further insight into investor appetite for large-scale fintech platforms in the region.

The deal signals that institutional investors continue to see long-term growth opportunities in financial inclusion, digital lending, and non-bank financial services across MENA.