Over 8 Out of 10 SMEs in Egypt Now Accept Digital Payments, Enhancing Business Resilience and Financial Inclusion

The third edition of Mastercard’s SME Confidence Index reveals that small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Egypt are embracing digital payments and data-driven solutions to support their growth, enhance operational efficiency and financial resilience.

As SMEs in Egypt continue to innovate and grow, the Mastercard SME Confidence Index is a key measure to understanding their changing aspirations and needs.

The results showed that with 85% of surveyed SMEs in Egypt now accepting digital payments, businesses are moving towards cashless transactions as a way to improve security, streamline operations and enhance credibility in the financial system. Many companies cite faster access to revenue, reduced fraud risk and the ease of paying suppliers and employees digitally as key benefits of digital transformation.

Commenting on the findings of the third edition of the SME Confidence Index, Dimitrios Dosis, President, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, Mastercard, said: “SMEs are the backbone of economies, driving innovation, creating jobs and enhancing resilience. As digital transformation accelerates, SMEs are unlocking new opportunities through digital payments and financial inclusion. Their ability to adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving business environment reflects the strength of their ecosystem, which prioritizes access to finance, digital empowerment and sustainable growth.”

“As SMEs in Egypt continue to evolve, the adoption of digital payments and innovative financial solutions will remain essential to their success,” said Adam Jones, Regional President, Western Arabia, Mastercard . “Mastercard is committed to supporting this transformation by providing advanced payment technologies, strategic partnerships, and tailored financial tools that enable SMEs to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.”

Dealing with economic pressures through digital transformation

SMEs in Egypt are adapting to the evolving economic landscape by prioritizing efficiency and digitization to manage business costs and drive growth.

While 70% of SMEs surveyed see rising costs of goods and services as a major challenge, many are responding proactively by investing in digital solutions and streamlining operations to boost productivity. 1 in 3 SMEs surveyed plan to access credit not just for business continuity but as a strategic step towards expansion and financial resilience.

As businesses look to the future, digital transformation continues to play a pivotal role in improving financial strategies, enhancing cash flow management and unlocking new growth opportunities.

Partnerships and innovation with the private sector drive SME growth

Partnerships with the private sector are a key driver of growth, with 45% of SMEs surveyed citing the importance of strategic partnerships in unlocking access to finance, technology and business insights. Additionally, SMEs prioritise digital finance, inclusion and sustainability, recognising the importance of creating a more connected business ecosystem.

Beyond digital payments, easy-to-use financial solutions (94%), better data analytics and insights (93%), and access to training and development programs (90%) are seen as critical to long-term success. Businesses are looking for tailored financial support and technology-driven solutions to help them scale effectively.

Strategic partnerships to enhance the resilience of SMEs

To support the growth of SMEs, Mastercard has partnered with a leading business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce platform, to accelerate the adoption of digital payments and financial inclusion. The collaboration provides SMEs with contactless payment solutions, reducing reliance on cash while improving transaction security and efficiency. By integrating Mastercard’s acceptance solutions, the initiative aims to expand financial access and support SMEs in their journey to transformation in an increasingly digital economy.

By strengthening its partnerships with fintechs, banks and government agencies, Mastercard continues to provide personalized financial solutions, expand access to credit and provide SMEs with the knowledge and tools needed for sustainable growth.