25/05/2026
In comments published by Ahram Online, I discussed why the Central Bank of Egypt’s decision to keep interest rates unchanged reflects a far more complicated economic equation than many assume. 📊
On the surface, holding rates steady may look like a cautious move. In reality, the CBE is trying to balance inflation risks, currency pressures, and the growing burden of public debt at the same time.
The Egyptian pound has weakened by nearly 10% against the dollar since the beginning of the year. Normally, that would increase pressure for another rate hike to contain inflation and stabilize expectations.
At the same time, higher interest rates come with significant costs. More tightening would increase borrowing expenses across the economy and add further pressure on government debt servicing.
This explains why several banks recently raised returns on savings certificates to absorb liquidity, even while the central bank kept official rates unchanged.
Another important point is that markets are now focusing less on aggressive tightening and more on controlled adjustment. Allowing the currency to move gradually may help avoid larger imbalances and a more disruptive correction later.
The key challenge remains inflation. If inflation accelerates again toward higher levels, the central bank may eventually face renewed pressure to tighten policy despite the economic costs.
In my view, monetary policy in Egypt has entered a risk-management phase rather than a traditional inflation-fighting cycle. Stability itself has become part of the policy objective.
Do you agree with this view?
Option one: Keeping rates unchanged is the most balanced decision now
Or option two: Another rate hike was necessary to protect the pound earlier