Egypt in talks with international lenders for up to USD 1.6 bn in financing
Egypt is in separate talks with international lenders as much as USD 1.6 bn in financing and assistance, primarily targeting the SME sector. The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is set to extend USD 800 mn in financing to Egyptian financial institutions, of which USD 500 mn is earmarked for SME projects, Al Mal reports. The balance of USD 300 is structured as trade finance for exports to African countries. Meanwhile, the National Bank of Egypt is set to sign before the end of the month a USD 400 mn facility with the European Investment Bank (EIB) to finance SME lending, unnamed sources tell Amwal Al Ghad. Finally, the International Cooperation Ministry is negotiating with the World Bank for USD 400 mn in new loans to support the SME sector and labor-intensive industries, minister Sahar Nasr told Al Borsa. Nasr also said yesterday that 25% of the World Bank’s USD 500 mn Upper Egypt development loan will be issued once the agreement is approved by the House of Representatives.