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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 EGP 2 Billion (Equivalent to KWD 12.6 million) Net Profit in 1Q2025

National Bank of Kuwait - Egypt (NBK-Egypt) has reported net profits of EGP 2 billion (Equivalent to KWD 12.6 million) for the first three months of 2025, from the EGP 1.3 billion (Equivalent to KWD 11.7 million) reported in the corresponding period of 2024, showcasing an impressive growth rate of 58%.

Net Operating Income stood at EGP 3.8 billion in 1Q2025, recording an increase of 38% from EGP 2.8 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2024. In the meantime, Net Interest Income grew by 41%, reaching EGP 3.3 billion compared to EGP 2.4 billion in 1Q2024.

Meanwhile, Net Operating Income (excluding interests) increased to EGP 0.5 billion in 1Q2025, compared to EGP 0.4 billion in 1Q2024, up by 20%, while Cost to Net Operating Income dropped from 26% in 1Q2024 to 25% in 1Q2025.

Total assets reached EGP 203 billion by the end of 1Q2025, up by 4% compared to EGP 196 billion by the end of 2024. Furthermore, total loans and credit facilities expanded to EGP 109 billion in 1Q2025, reflecting a growth rate of around 5% compared to EGP 104 billion recorded at the end of 2024.  Additionally, customer deposits increased to EGP 164 billion by the end of 1Q2025, up from EGP 160 billion at the end of 2024, representing a growth rate of 3%. Furthermore, The Return on Average Assets (ROAA) improved to 4.1% in 1Q2025, compared to 3.6% in the corresponding period of 2024, while the Return on Average Equity (ROAE) increased to 35.8% in 1Q2025, up from 33.6% in the corresponding period of 2024.

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 robust profit growth achieved by National Bank of Kuwait – Egypt in the first quarter of 2025 is a clear testament to the strength of our financial position, the resilience of our business model, and our ability to perform across varying economic landscapes.”

 Al-Bahar explained that despite operational headwinds, the bank succeeded in delivering strong performance across its core business segments during the first quarter of 2025. She emphasized that the continued expansion of the bank’s balance sheet and the sustained growth in key financial indicators reaffirm the soundness of NBK Group’s strategic vision

. She noted that the bank remains firmly on track to further strengthen its position in what has become the Group’s most significant foreign market, given Egypt’s vast potential, positive outlook, and promising growth opportunities.

Furthermore, Al-Bahar affirmed that Egypt remains a key growth market for NBK Group and represents a cornerstone of its long-term strategic investments. She highlighted that the Group’s operations in Egypt continue to rank among its most profitable, delivering the highest returns on shareholders’ equity and assets. This performance, she noted, reflects the success of NBK’s business diversification strategy and the rapid momentum of its digital transformation journey—both of which are central to the bank’s efforts to expand its market share, particularly in retail banking, within one of the region’s most populous countries and one of its most promising investment landscapes.

She underscored the prominent footprint NBK Egypt has established as one of the fastest-growing banks in the Egyptian banking sector—an achievement clearly reflected in its robust financial indicators and the sustained growth in business performance witnessed over recent years.

Al-Bahar also noted that NBK Egypt is focused on enhancing the quality of its services, expanding its geographical presence, and reaching a broader and more diverse customer base. She highlighted the significant strides the bank has made in modernizing its digital infrastructure, information technology systems, and electronic channels—advancements that have reinforced its position as a strong and competitive player in the Egyptian banking market. This progress comes in tandem with the growing demand for banking services and the rising momentum of financial inclusion across the country. 

Meanwhile, Vice Chairman, CEO, and Managing Director of National Bank of Kuwait-Egypt, Mr. Yasser El-Tayeb, said: “The robust financial results achieved by the bank at the end of the first quarter of 2025 underscore the resilience and adaptability of our business model, enabling sustained growth despite the challenges posed by local, regional, and global market conditions.”

El-Tayeb highlighted that NBK Egypt’s business growth is well-balanced across all sectors, while maintaining efficiency and risk ratios aligned with sustainable expansion. This success is attributed to the bank’s prudent policies and a flexible business model designed to effectively meet customer needs.

He emphasized that NBK-Egypt is experiencing consistent growth across all activities and business sectors while maintaining efficiency rates and risk ratios that align with this expansion. This approach ensures business sustainability and customer satisfaction alike, thanks to the bank's prudent policies and its robust business model capable of meeting customer needs and diversifying income sources. 

He further added that the majority of NBK Egypt’s income is generated from credit operations within the corporate sector, alongside contributions from retail banking. The bank’s credit portfolio encompasses a wide range of clients, including large, medium, and small enterprises, while its retail banking portfolio serves diverse customer segments. This breadth underscores the strength and diversity of the bank’s income sources.

Al-Tayeb emphasized the bank’s commitment to further strengthening its position in the retail banking sector by offering advanced services and products tailored to diverse customer segments, aiming to establish itself as a comprehensive bank that fulfills all their financial and life needs.

He also affirmed the bank’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its digital banking services, aiming to deliver a seamless and unique banking experience that enables customers to carry out most of their transactions anytime and from anywhere. He added that the bank is actively working to encourage wider adoption of digital payment channels, in line with the broader policy directions of the Egyptian government and the Central Bank of Egypt.

El-Tayeb concluded by underscoring NBK Egypt’s commitment to supporting the global shift toward sustainable finance and the transition to a green economy. He noted that the bank actively backs environmentally responsible projects that promote sustainability and rely on renewable energy sources. In addition, it continues to explore viable solutions to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and reduce carbon emissions. He further highlighted that sustainable finance has become one of the most critical tools for safeguarding long-term financial stability.

Egypt: NBK-Egypt Reports EGP 7.3 billion (Equivalent to KWD 51.9 million) in Net Profit in FY2024

National Bank of Kuwait - Egypt (NBK-Egypt) reported net profits of EGP 7.3 billion (Equivalent to KWD 51.9 million ) for the financial year  2024 compared to EGP 4.021 billion (Equivalent to KWD 41.4 million) reported in 2023 marking an impressive 81% increase compared to financial year 2023.

Net Operating Income stood at EGP 13.5 billion by the end of FY2024, recording a substantial increase of 57% from EGP 8.7 billion recorded by the end of FY2023. In the meantime, Net Interest Income grew by 66%, reaching EGP 11.6 billion compared to EGP 7 billion in FY2023.

Meanwhile, Net Operating Income (excluding interests) increased to EGP 1.9 billion in FY2024, compared to EGP 1.7 billion in FY2023, up by 17%, while Cost to Net Operating Income dropped from 28% in FY2023 to 21.2% in FY2024.

Total assets reached EGP 196 billion by the end of FY2024, up by 50% compared to EGP 131 billion by the end of FY2023. Furthermore, total loans and credit facilities expanded to EGP 104 billion in FY2024, reflecting a growth rate of 37% compared to EGP 76 billion recorded at the end of FY2023.  Additionally, customer deposits increased to EGP 160 billion by the end of FY2024, up from EGP 106 billion at the end of FY2023, representing a growth rate of 51%.

Furthermore, the Return on Average Assets (ROAA) improved to 4.5% by the end of FY2024, compared to 3.4% by the end of FY2023, while the Return on Average Equity (ROAE) increased to 39.2% in FY2024, up from 30.7% in FY2023.

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: “NBK-Egypt delivered record profits in 2024, underscoring the success of its operational strategy and reaffirming its trajectory toward further strengthening its position in the Egyptian market. As NBK Group’s most significant market outside Kuwait, Egypt holds substantial growth potential, driven by its promising opportunities and positive economic outlook.”

Al-Bahar highlighted that NBK’s operations in Egypt are among the group’s most profitable, delivering the highest returns on equity and assets.

Al-Bahar emphasized that the sustained expansion of the balance sheet and the growth of the bank's financial indicators reaffirm the success of its business diversification strategy and accelerated digital transformation. This approach aims to strengthen market share, particularly in retail banking, within the region’s most populous country and a key hub for investment opportunities.

“We are committed to enhancing service quality, expanding our geographical presence, and reaching a more diverse customer base. This progress is driven by the significant advancements in our digital infrastructure, information technology, and alternative electronic channels, which have positioned the bank as a strong competitor with a distinct presence in the Egyptian banking sector. This comes amid the rising demand for banking services and the increasing momentum of financial inclusion,” Al-Bahar stated.

“Egypt is a key growth market for NBK Group and a long-term strategic investment, where the Group remains committed to reinforcing its presence and strengthening its position,” Al-Bahar confirmed.

Meanwhile, Vice Chairman, CEO, and Managing Director of National Bank of Kuwait-Egypt, Mr. Yasser El-Tayeb, said: “The bank's strong financial performance at the end of 2024 surpassed expectations and targets, despite challenges and exceptional circumstances affecting the business environment both locally and globally. This achievement underscores the bank’s resilience and prudent business model, reinforcing its ability to sustain success and growth.”

Al-Tayeb emphasized that the bank’s growth is balanced across all business activities, ensuring efficiency and a risk profile aligned with sustainable expansion. This success is driven by a prudent strategy that meets the evolving needs of both corporate and individual clients while diversifying income streams.

Al-Tayeb noted that the bank’s income sources stem from credit operations in the corporate sector, alongside a rapidly expanding retail banking segment, which has grown significantly in recent years. The bank’s credit portfolio reflects a diverse client base, encompassing large, medium, and small enterprises, while its retail banking portfolio serves a broad spectrum of customers. This diversity underscores the strength and stability of the bank’s revenue streams. He further emphasized the bank’s commitment to strengthening its position in retail banking by introducing more advanced services and products tailored to meet customers' evolving financial needs and aspirations.

El-Tayeb further emphasized NBK-Egypt’s commitment to supporting the global shift toward sustainable finance and the transition to a green economy. The bank actively backs environmentally friendly projects that promote sustainability and increased reliance on renewable energy while exploring solutions to mitigate climate change and reduce carbon emissions. He highlighted that sustainable finance has become a vital tool for ensuring long-term financial stability and resilience.

He also affirmed the bank’s strong commitment to leveraging technology and digital channels to enhance its competitive edge in the banking sector. Recognizing their pivotal role, NBK-Egypt continues to expand its electronic services and encourage broader customer adoption of digital payments. This aligns with the broader strategy of the Egyptian government and the Central Bank of Egypt to promote financial inclusion, integrate new customer segments into the formal banking system, and drive the transition toward a less cash-dependent economy.

El-Tayeb concluded by highlighting NBK-Egypt’s steadfast commitment to social responsibility, emphasizing that since the Group’s entry into the Egyptian market in 2007, the bank has actively supported the local community. Through partnerships with reputable civil society organizations, NBK-Egypt channels its development efforts toward impactful initiatives, reinforcing its role as a responsible corporate citizen. Social responsibility remains a cornerstone of the bank’s sustainability strategy, contributing to national development across key areas, including:

• Healthcare provision

• Education and employment support

• Environmental conservation

• Social solidarity

• Development of underserved areas

• Economic development