Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Remittances from Egyptians working overseas climbed to an unprecedented $41.5 billion in 2025, marking a record annual high and signaling a strong rebound in foreign currency inflows, according to data released by the Central Bank of Egypt.
The figure represents a 40.5 percent increase compared with $29.6 billion recorded in 2024, reflecting renewed confidence in the formal banking system and strengthening external financial flows into Egypt. The sharp rise in remittances is widely viewed as a key factor in bolstering the country’s foreign exchange reserves and easing pressure on the domestic currency market.
Financial Year Growth Maintains Momentum
The upward trajectory extended into the 2025/2026 fiscal year. During the first half of the fiscal year, spanning July to December 2025, remittance inflows rose by 29.6 percent year-on-year, reaching approximately $22.1 billion, compared with $17.1 billion during the same period of the previous fiscal year.
The strong performance suggests sustained momentum in expatriate transfers, which remain one of Egypt’s most vital sources of foreign currency alongside tourism revenues, Suez Canal receipts, and exports.
December Sets All-Time Monthly Record
On a monthly basis, December 2025 delivered exceptional results. Remittances rose by 24 percent year-on-year to reach approximately $4 billion, the highest monthly level ever recorded. In December 2024, remittance inflows stood at around $3.2 billion.
The December surge underscores improving transfer channels and possibly seasonal factors that typically drive higher remittance volumes at year-end. Analysts also attribute the continued rise to policy measures aimed at encouraging the use of official banking routes and stabilizing the foreign exchange market.
Strategic Importance for the Economy
Remittances from Egyptians abroad play a critical stabilizing role in the national economy, providing steady hard currency inflows that help finance imports, narrow the current account deficit, and support overall macroeconomic resilience. The latest figures point to a significant strengthening of these flows at a time when emerging markets continue to navigate global financial volatility.
With record-breaking annual and monthly levels, 2025 stands out as a landmark year for remittance inflows, reinforcing their position as a cornerstone of Egypt’s external financial stability.
