The United Bank Boosts SME Financing by 61% During 2026

The United Bank recorded a 61% growth in its portfolio for financing small, medium, and micro-enterprises during 2026. This portfolio now accounts for about 32% of the bank's total portfolio, according to financial center data as of December 31, 2020. Additionally, the percentage of small companies reached 12%, driven by an expansion strategy aimed at boosting financing directed to various economic sectors and activities, thereby supporting the private sector's role in driving economic growth. The bank relies on an integrated system with four main pillars to implement its strategy. These include building human capabilities, geographic expansion, developing specialized financing products, and enhancing economic empowerment for various community groups like women and youth, ensuring a comprehensive and sustainable developmental impact.

Training and Capacity Building Pillar

The bank focuses on preparing and qualifying specialized personnel to support owners of productive, industrial, and service projects. They do this by establishing the UB SMEs Academy and by enhancing the efficiency of existing work teams, which strengthens the role of the SME sector as a key driver of economic growth.

Geographic Expansion Pillar

The bank is working to boost its presence across various governorates, especially in industrial zones and new cities. They're doing this by increasing their SME business centers to 15 centers across 7 governorates, which will provide financial and advisory services that help accelerate project growth and reduce operational challenges.

Specialized Financing and Economic Empowerment Pillar

The bank is developing financing programs that target specific sectors like the medical sector, commercial transport, and productive and service activities. They also support various community groups through financial inclusion services, digital products, and entrepreneurship support programs, especially for women and youth. Additionally, they offer training and advisory services through "Pioneers of the Nile" centers to help small projects qualify for financing and reduce credit risks. Tarek Fayed, CEO and Managing Director of The United Bank, emphasized that the SME sector is a fundamental pillar for economic growth and achieving Egypt's Vision 2030. This is due to its role in supporting supply chains, enhancing integration between economic sectors, increasing productivity rates, and creating job opportunities. He added that developing this sector contributes to improving income and supporting economic empowerment, especially for women and youth. Furthermore, it plays a role in increasing local production, reducing imports, and boosting exports, which supports the trade balance and enhances the national economy's competitiveness. He also pointed out that the sector's developmental impact extends to supporting the stability of local communities, curbing illegal immigration, and developing the most in-need areas, thereby promoting balanced development across the entire republic. Fayed stressed the importance of maximizing the private sector's role as a key partner in development and building a competitive productive and industrial base. He noted that the bank is working to provide an integrated financing system that supports deepening local content, improving the quality of Egyptian products, and enhancing opportunities for expansion in regional and international markets.