EBRD Approves US$20 Million Financing For ALEXBANK To Expand Green Loans for Households And MSMEs In Egypt

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved a financing package of US$20 million (approximately €18 million) for ALEXBANK, a member of the Intesa Sanpaolo Group within its International Banks Division. The financing is aimed at supporting Egypt’s green transition by expanding access to climate-focused investments for households and small businesses. The package includes a US$17 million (€14.9 million) loan provided under the EBRD’s Green Economy Financing Facility II (GEFF II), which is supported by the European Union. Of this amount, US$3 million (€2.6 million) will be co-financed by the Green Climate Fund.

Through this facility, ALEXBANK will on-lend the funds to local households and private micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to finance investments in climate mitigation and adaptation technologies and related services. To encourage the uptake of advanced green solutions, the EBRD will also offer incentive grants to eligible borrowers under the GEFF II programme. These grants will be awarded once green investments have been successfully completed and verified, helping reduce costs for MSMEs and promoting wider adoption of climate-friendly technologies.

The financing will be complemented by a comprehensive technical cooperation programme funded by the European Union. This support will help ALEXBANK strengthen its internal capacity through training and advisory services, while also assisting with the effective implementation of eligible projects. The training initiatives are designed to promote equal access to climate finance and green technologies for both women and men.

Mark Davis, EBRD Managing Director for the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean region, said the partnership with ALEXBANK reflects the Bank’s commitment to supporting Egypt’s green transition and accelerating the adoption of innovative climate technologies among households and MSMEs. He highlighted that the GEFF II programme, backed by the EU and the Green Climate Fund, plays a key role in driving sustainable growth while fostering inclusive development.

Paolo Vivona, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of ALEXBANK, described the collaboration as an important milestone in the bank’s efforts to support sustainable development in Egypt. He noted that the partnership enables households and small businesses to invest in climate adaptation and mitigation solutions, contributing to a more sustainable economy in line with the broader strategy of the Intesa Sanpaolo Group.

ALEXBANK first partnered with the EBRD in 2016, when it secured an SME credit line and a Trade Facilitation Programme facility totaling US$100 million (€85.1 million). This was followed in 2017 by a second loan of US$30 million (€25.5 million) under the Egypt Sustainable Energy Financing Facility, co-financed by the European Investment Bank. Founded in 1957 and part of the Intesa Sanpaolo Group since 2007, ALEXBANK is one of Egypt’s leading private-sector banks. It operates a nationwide network of 173 branches, serves approximately 1.85 million customers, and employs more than 4,300 people.

The bank provides a wide range of financial services to retail customers, small and medium-sized enterprises, and corporate clients. Egypt is a founding member of the EBRD, and the Bank has been active in the country since 2012. Since then, it has invested more than €13.8 billion in 209 projects across various sectors, supporting sustainable economic development and resilience.