Mastercard SME Confidence Index: Egyptian SMEs embrace digital payments and innovation for sustainable growth

• Over eight in ten SMEs in Egypt now accept digital payments, driving business resilience and financial inclusion

Cairo, Egypt: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Egypt are embracing digital payments and data-driven solutions to fuel their growth, enhance operational efficiency and strengthen financial resilience, according to the third edition of the Mastercard SME Confidence Index.

With 85% of the SMEs surveyed in Egypt now accepting digital payments, businesses are shifting towards cashless transactions as a means of improving security, streamlining operations and boosting credibility in the financial ecosystem. Many SMEs cite faster access to revenues, reduced fraud risks and the ease of digital supplier and employee payments as key advantages of digital transformation.

“Small and medium enterprises are the backbone of economies, driving innovation, employment, and resilience. As digital transformation accelerates, SMEs are unlocking new opportunities through digital payments and financial inclusion. Their ability to adapt and grow in a rapidly evolving business landscape reflects the strength of an ecosystem that prioritizes access to finance, digital enablement, and sustainable growth,” said Dimitrios Dosis, president Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, Mastercard.

“As Egypt’s SMEs continue to evolve, adopting digital payments and innovative financial solutions will be central to their success. Mastercard is committed to supporting this transition by providing advanced payment technologies, strategic partnerships and tailored financial tools that empower SMEs to thrive in an increasingly digital economy,” said Adam Jones, division president, West Arabia, Mastercard.

Navigating economic pressures through digital transformation

Egyptian SMEs are adapting to an evolving economic landscape by prioritizing efficiency, automation and digitalization to manage business costs and drive growth.

While 70% of the SMEs surveyed identify rising costs of goods and services as a key challenge, many are responding proactively by investing in digital solutions and streamlining operations to enhance productivity. Nearly one in three SMEs surveyed plan to seek credit not just for business continuity but as a strategic move towards expansion and financial resilience.

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

Private sector partnerships and innovation drive SME growth

Collaboration with the private sector is seen as a key growth driver, with 45% of the SMEs surveyed highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships in unlocking financial access, technology and business insights. Additionally, SMEs are prioritizing digital inclusion and sustainability, recognizing the need to build a more connected and environmentally conscious business ecosystem.

Beyond digital payments, user-friendly 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 strengthen SME resilience

To support SME growth, Mastercard has partnered with MaxAB, a leading B2B marketplace in Egypt, to accelerate digital payment adoption and financial inclusion. This 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 navigating an increasingly digital economy.

As SMEs in Egypt continue to innovate and expand, the Mastercard SME Confidence Index remains a key benchmark for understanding evolving business needs.

Through partnerships with fintech players, banks and government agencies, Mastercard continues to deliver tailored financial solutions, expand access to credit and equip SMEs with the knowledge and tools needed to grow sustainably.