The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) recorded an unprecedented milestone at the close of 2025, as the value of its gold reserves surged by approximately 71 percent year-on-year.
By the end of December, the value of gold in Egypt’s vaults reached $18.166 billion, reflecting Cairo’s strategic shift toward hedging with precious metals to bolster its financial position against global volatility.
This surge proved to be more than just a nominal gain; gold acted as a vital buffer, shielding Egypt’s international reserves from decline during periods of fluctuating liquid currency balances.
This achievement was driven by a dual-catalyst: the sustained rally in global gold prices and the CBE’s proactive strategy of accumulating an additional 79,600 ounces throughout the year.
According to the latest CBE data, total international reserves jumped by $1.236 billion in December alone, pushing the aggregate balance to a historic peak of $51.45 billion—the highest level in the nation’s history.
Gold was the primary driver of this monthly growth, contributing $914 million to the increase, while liquid foreign currency holdings rose by $327 million to reach $33.23 billion.
To build its ‘financial buffers’, Egypt relies on a balanced triad: gold, which now carries increasing weight; liquid foreign currencies, which ensure the continuity of foreign trade; and Special Drawing Rights at the International Monetary Fund.
This integrated composition serves as a safety valve for the Egyptian economy, ensuring its ability to meet international obligations and secure essential import needs.
