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Egypt: Zewail City of Science and Technology and NBK ink EGP 6.25 million cooperation protocol

Zewail City of Science and Technology and National Bank of Kuwait inked a cooperation protocol worth EGP 1.25 million annually for a term of 5 years to provide 10 scholarships to the City’s students in 2018.

The protocol comes in line with the strategy adopted by both parties aimed to support and develop scientific research and to empower innovative scientists by providing all the required prerequisite for success to develop the Egyptian society, in line with the Sustainable Development Strategy: Egypt's vision 2030. One of the main objectives of Zewail City is aimed at keeping abreast of scientific development and contribute towards scientific research to propel Egypt to a leading position among developed countries in the areas of science and research. Meanwhile, NBK is a firm believer that advanced education is the first step on the road to promote the country and head towards a better future, in addition to the importance of education for the Egyptian society’s progress and advancement.

The protocol was signed by Zewail City’s Executive President, Prof. Sherif Sedky and the Managing Director at National Bank of Kuwait – Egypt, Dr. Yasser Hassan. The signing ceremony was attended by a number of Zewail City faculty members and management, as well as representatives of the National Bank of Kuwait.

The protocol stipulates that a number of students shall be selected to benefit from receiving the scholarships according to a specific criteria in order to ensure equal opportunities for all qualified students, and to provide a continuous resource to benefit them. Additionally, students are required to maintain academic excellence and outstanding academic performance throughout their term at the university.

"Research has shown that there is no higher return on investment than science and scientific development, but we have to admit that no matter how large budgets get, Zewail City won’t be able to accomplish this difficult task on its own" said Zewail City’s Executive President, Prof. Sherif Sedky “Hence we are witnessing today the importance of the close cooperation between the private sector represented by National Bank of Kuwait and civil society organizations represented by Zwail city, as a scientific research institution that promotes scientific research and innovation, in line with the objectives set forth by the higher education system and scientific research in order to achieve sustainable development in society”.

Prof. Sedky expressed his happiness for signing the protocol and stressed on the importance of such steps as a milestone toward the successful completion of the project that Dr. Ahmed Zewail had long dreamed of establishing to be a beacon for research in the Middle East responsible for graduating highly educated cadres with heightened awareness towards science and technology so that they would contribute to the development of the Egyptian economy and face its challenges. It also strives to propelling Egypt to a leading position among developed countries in the areas of science and research.

Moreover, Prof. Sedky highlighted that this partnership complements Zewail City’s cooperation efforts with private and public institutions and civil society organizations. He also expressed his hopes for continuous flow of support to complete the various stages of the city and achieve a breakthrough in the scientific research arena both in Egypt and the Middle East.

Meanwhile, Dr. Yasser Hassan said that signing this agreement comes in line with NBK’s corporate social responsibility aimed at carrying out the bank’s prominent role to serve the society by directing its support and contributions to many non-profit organizations aimed at developing the society and the people through various means.

Dr. Hassan explained that the University of Science and Technology at Zewail City of Science, through its free scholarships program, sets an ideal model of trustworthy institutions that strive to utilize the support and assistance they receive in the best way possible. He added that this initiative constitutes an important part of NBK’s social corporate responsibility program as the bank strives to support such constructive developmental activities to enrich the community and contribute towards the advancement of its skillful students to showcase their scientific talents and enrich them academically in one of the best scientific research hubs in the country.

Dr. Hassan stressed that all civil society institutions in Egypt should extend their support and develop governmental institutions to aid them in supporting the citizens who need them the most, especially at this crucial time in the country’s history as it seeks to pave the way for a brighter future.

He also added that NBK Group’s overall policy, on the local, regional and international levels, is focused on social corporate responsibility covering the fields of education and health care as it firmly believes in their important role in building societies, developing nations and the prosperity in various fields and aspects.

Zewail City of Science and Technology is a nonprofit, independent institution of learning, research and innovation. Its strategy is to build a new generation of leaders, scientists and entrepreneurs capable of having a significant impact on society. It also aims to introduce new cutting-edge fields of endeavor. The City has established a five-component structure consisting of the he University of Science and Technology, Research Institutions, the Technology Pyramid, the Academy, and the Center for Strategic Studies. Zewail City has been able to register about 380 research papers and obtain 12 patents in the fields of health and environment, which is no small feat by any means.

NBK-Egypt (previously known as Al-Watany Bank of Egypt) is a member of NBK Group and was established in 1980. The bank has a network of 45 branches situated at various strategic locations across Egyptian governorates and cities including Cairo, Giza, Alexandria, Delta, Sinai, the Red Sea, and Upper Egypt, as well as industrial areas like Sixth of October, and Tenth of Ramadan. NBK-Egypt is also one of the few banks licensed to offer Sharia compliant solution in addition to the conventional products through its two Islamic branches.

Egypt: NBK–Egypt Reports Net Profit of EGP 8.09 Billion (Equivalent to KWD 51.24 million) for FY2025

National Bank of Kuwait – Egypt (NBK-Egypt) recorded net profit of EGP 8.09 billion (Equivalent to KWD 51.24 million) in FY2025, up from EGP 7.27 billion (Equivalent to KWD 51.87 million) in FY2024, representing year-on-year growth of 11.3%.

Net Operating Income stood at EGP 16 billion in FY2025, representing a significant increase of 18.4% from EGP 13.5 billion in FY2024. Net Interest Income grew by 18.5%, reaching EGP 13.7 billion compared with EGP 11.6 billion in FY2024. Net Operating Income (excluding interest) rose to EGP 2.3 billion in FY2025 from EGP 1.9 billion in FY2024, an increase of 18%. Income from financial investments increased to EGP 53 million from EGP 31 million in the prior year, marking growth of 70%, while the Cost-to-Net Operating Income ratio stood at 25.4% in FY2025. 

Total assets expanded to EGP 225 billion by the end of FY2025, representing growth of 14.7% from EGP 196 billion at year-end 2024. Total loans and credit facilities increased to EGP 121 billion, rising 17.4% from EGP 103 billion. Customer deposits also recorded solid growth, reaching EGP 180 billion compared with EGP 160 billion in the prior year, an increase of 12.7%.  In the meantime, The ratio of operating income to total net income stood at 85.4% in FY2025, compared to 85.6% in the corresponding period of 2024.

Profitability indicators remained robust, with Return on Average Assets (ROAA) at 3.8% and Return on Average Equity (ROAE) at 30.7%.

Commenting on the financial results announced by NBK-Egypt, Ms. Shaikha Al-Bahar, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer, National Bank of Kuwait, and Chairman of NBK-Egypt, said: “The strong growth in NBK-Egypt’s profitability and business performance at the end of 2025 reflects the resilience of our financial position and the flexibility of our business model to generate earnings and deliver sustainable growth, despite ongoing operational challenges.”

Al-Bahar explained that the financial results achieved by NBK-Egypt in 2025 once again validate the Group’s strategic vision since entering the Egyptian market in 2007, while highlighting the substantial opportunities and long-term potential offered by this promising market.

“NBK Group views the Egyptian market as a long-term strategic investment. Egypt represents one of the largest economies in the region and a core growth market in which we remain committed to expanding our presence. We regard it as the Group’s second domestic market,” Al-Bahar added.

She emphasized that NBK-Egypt continues to rank among the most profitable operations within the Group, delivering some of the strongest returns on equity and assets.

Furthermore, Al-Bahar highlighted that NBK-Egypt, the largest Kuwaiti investment in Egypt, has established a clear footprint within the country’s banking sector, positioning itself among the fastest-growing banks. She added that financial indicators confirm the Bank remains on the right trajectory toward further expansion and strengthening its market share.

Al-Bahar underscored that Egypt’s economic landscape continues to strengthen, supported by far-reaching reform initiatives and resolute policy actions advanced by both the government and the Central Bank of Egypt. These measures are reinforcing macroeconomic stability and unlocking compelling avenues for investment, expansion, and long-term value creation. She expressed firm conviction in the Egyptian economy’s resilience and its promising trajectory.

Meanwhile, Vice Chairman, CEO, and Managing Director of National Bank of Kuwait-Egypt, Mr. Yasser El-Tayeb, said: “Nothing illustrates the Bank’s strength more clearly than its robust financial results and performance metrics, underscoring its capacity to sustain growth and deliver solid outcomes in 2025 despite a challenging local and global operating environment.” 

El-Tayeb noted that NBK-Egypt continues to achieve balanced growth across all business segments while maintaining efficiency levels and risk metrics consistent with both growth objectives and long-term sustainability. He attributed this performance to the Bank’s prudent strategic approach and its disciplined business model, which enables it to respond to client needs with a high degree of flexibility.

El-Tayeb noted that the majority of NBK–Egypt’s income is derived from credit operations within the Corporate Banking segment, alongside Retail Banking, with its role expanding significantly in recent years. The Bank’s credit portfolio demonstrates broad diversification across its corporate client base, encompassing large, medium, and small enterprises, while its retail portfolio similarly spans a wide spectrum of customer segments. This diversification underscores the resilience and depth of the Bank’s income streams. 

He affirmed that the Bank aims to further strengthen its position in the retail banking sector in the period ahead by offering advanced products and services tailored to the needs of diverse customer segments, reinforcing its positioning as a comprehensive financial partner capable of meeting their full range of financial requirements. The Bank also continues to expand its Islamic banking services to serve a broad client base, consistently enhancing its product offering. NBK-Egypt remains among the leading institutions in the Egyptian market providing Islamic banking services and products alongside its conventional banking solutions.

El-Tayeb further noted that, in recognition of the pivotal role technological tools and electronic channels play in the banking sector, and their importance in strengthening competitive positioning, NBK-Egypt has actively accelerated the expansion of its digital banking services, committing substantial investments to this domain. These efforts aim to deliver a distinctive banking experience that enables customers to conduct most of their transactions anytime and anywhere. More broadly, the Bank continues to encourage clients to expand their use of electronic payment channels, in alignment with the public policy direction of the Egyptian government and the Central Bank of Egypt.

He added that NBK-Egypt is committed to supporting the global shift toward sustainable finance and the transition to a green economy by backing environmentally responsible projects that promote sustainability and greater reliance on renewable energy. The Bank also evaluates solutions designed to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change and reduce carbon emissions, recognizing sustainable finance as a critical mechanism for safeguarding long-term financial stability.

Addressing the Bank’s corporate social responsibility, El-Tayeb stated that since NBK Group’s entry into the Egyptian market in 2007, NBK-Egypt has remained dedicated to fulfilling its role in serving the community through contributions, donations, and support extended to a wide range of charitable initiatives. The Bank has also established partnerships with credible and active civil society organizations, empowering them to serve as effective implementation partners in advancing its community development agenda.

Egypt: NBK Egypt Provides $115 Million Financing for Safaga Terminal Project

Reinforcing its leadership in advancing Egypt’s sustainable economic development agenda, National Bank of Kuwait – Egypt (NBK-Egypt) continues to strengthen its role as a leading financial partner in the financing of strategic national projects. In this context, the Bank has entered into a $115 million financing agreement in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to support the development of Noatum Ports – Safaga Terminal in Egypt.

This financing aligns with the Bank’s commitment to supporting national projects that deliver sustainable long-term economic impact. These initiatives are instrumental in advancing logistics infrastructure, improving the efficiency of Egypt’s port network, and consolidating the country’s strategic position as a regional hub for global trade and supply chains.

This financing was supported by IFC, with participation from NBK – Egypt through a long-term syndicated loan with a tenor of up to 15 years. This reflects the confidence of international and regional financial institutions in the strength of the Egyptian economy, the quality of project execution, and their capacity to generate sustainable economic and developmental returns. It also underscores confidence in the operational capabilities of AD Ports Group and highlights Egypt’s strategic role within global trade and supply chain networks.

The financing has secured all required approvals, and financial close is expected during the first quarter of 2026.

Egypt’s Economic Growth

Mr. Yasser El-Tayeb, Vice Chairman, CEO and Managing Director of NBK – Egypt, stated that the Bank’s participation in this significant financing reflects its strategic commitment to its role as an active development partner in supporting the national economy, emphasizing that financing major national projects represents a central pillar of the Bank’s strategic direction.

He added that port development and logistics infrastructure projects constitute a key driver of economic growth due to their direct impact on stimulating foreign trade activity, enhancing the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy, and creating sustainable employment opportunities. Ports in particular represent one of the most critical components of such projects, given their contribution to expanding external trade flows and supporting the state’s plans to maximize the benefits of Egypt’s unique geographic location as one of the most important logistics hubs along the Red Sea.

Moreover, El-Tayeb emphasized that long-tenor financing extended by the banking sector serves as a decisive catalyst in translating development strategies into operational projects with real economic impact, reflecting the approach embraced by leading international banking institutions in advancing national economic development.

The Bank’s Strength and Expertise  

In the meantime, Mr. Walid El- Seyoufi, Deputy Managing Director of NBK – Egypt, affirmed that the Bank’s success in arranging and participating in financing of this scale reflects the strength of its financial position and its proven expertise in funding major strategic projects, as well as its ability to deliver integrated financing solutions aligned with national priorities and development plans.

He noted that the project represents a qualitative addition to the Bank’s financing portfolio given its contribution to supporting Egypt Vision 2030 through enhancing infrastructure efficiency, stimulating investment, improving productivity, and generating direct and indirect employment opportunities, thereby contributing to inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

El-Seyoufi added that the Safaga Terminal constitutes a strategically significant project due to its role in supporting trade flows across the Red Sea and connecting regional and international markets. This aligns with the direction of global financial institutions toward supporting infrastructure initiatives that deliver broad economic impact.

He further noted that the Noatum Ports – Safaga Terminal project is valued at approximately $200 million. The terminal is located on Egypt’s Red Sea coast and represents the first international maritime terminal in Upper Egypt, providing additional developmental significance from both economic and geographic perspectives.

Sustainable Finance

Mr. Ahmed El-Shall, Head of Corporate and Syndication at NBK – Egypt, stated that the Bank’s participation in this financing underscores its confidence in the project’s economic viability, as well as its commitment to supporting projects that incorporate environmental and sustainability considerations, in line with global banking best practices.

El-Shall explained that the Bank follows a clear strategy focused on financing infrastructure and sustainable development projects, which international experience has shown to be among the most important drivers of long-term economic growth. He further noted that this transaction is not the first of its kind, as the Bank has previously participated in financing several major national projects across multiple sectors, including the expansion of Damietta Port, the Tahya Misr multipurpose terminal at Alexandria Port, Abu Qir Port, the Max Port breakwaters, and the development of Sokhna Port, in addition to other infrastructure projects in the electricity, energy, roads, and related sectors. He added that several additional large-scale projects are currently under review, which the Bank is seeking to finance.

Furthermore, El-Shall affirmed that the banking sector plays an increasingly critical role in directing investments toward sectors with the greatest developmental impact, a role undertaken by leading global financial institutions through supporting strategic projects that contribute to inclusive development and improvements in quality of life.