Digital Payments Fuel Growth for 83% of Small Businesses in Egypt
CAIRO — A growing number of Egyptian small and medium-sized enterprises are embracing digital payments, omnichannel models, and workforce development to strengthen competitiveness and unlock new growth, according to the fourth edition of the Mastercard SME Confidence Index.
The multi-market study, which provides insights into SME sentiment across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, found that 83 percent of surveyed Egyptian businesses believe digital and online payments are important in helping them grow faster and more effectively, reflecting strong demand for modernisation and improved business processes.
Digital Payments Support Growth
The report also found that 75 percent of SMEs identify easy-to-use payment methods as a key factor supporting growth, highlighting the growing importance of frictionless transactions in an increasingly digital marketplace.
Onur Kursun, Executive Vice President, Commercial and New Payment Flows, EEMEA at Mastercard, said: “SMEs continue to be a driving force behind innovation and economic growth. Across the region, these businesses are embracing digital tools, enhancing customer experiences and investing in workforce development to strengthen their competitiveness.”
Adam Jones, division president, West Arabia at Mastercard, noted that Egyptian SMEs’ focus on secure and efficient payment experiences reflects a clear vision for future business models, supported by advanced technologies and tailored financial solutions.
SMEs Balance Caution with Resilience
Despite growing digital adoption, Egyptian SMEs continue to operate in a challenging economic environment shaped by inflation and currency pressures. The report found that 40 percent of businesses remain optimistic about their outlook over the next 12 months, reflecting cautious confidence amid ongoing uncertainty. Many SMEs are responding by investing in practical solutions, particularly digital transformation and customer-focused strategies, to improve efficiency and build resilience.
Omnichannel Commerce Gains Momentum
Egyptian SMEs are gradually shifting toward more integrated business models. While cash remains dominant, accounting for 74 percent of transactions, nearly two-thirds of SMEs 64 percent now operate across both physical and online channels, reflecting rising digital purchasing behaviour and greater demand for connected customer experiences.
Skills Investment Becomes Priority
Alongside technology adoption, Egyptian SMEs are placing greater emphasis on workforce development. More than half of surveyed businesses identified access to training and development support (58 percent) and employee upskilling (55 percent) as important drivers of future growth.
The findings highlight a broader shift among entrepreneurs, who increasingly view sustainable expansion as dependent not only on technology investment but also on developing talent and improving workforce capabilities. As Egyptian SMEs continue their digital transformation journey, Mastercard said it remains focused on supporting businesses through payment technologies, cybersecurity solutions, mentoring opportunities, and data-driven insights.
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