Egypt ended 2025 with a sharp rise in the value of its gold holdings, as the Central Bank of Egypt increased bullion’s role in the country’s reserve mix to cushion against global volatility and swings in hard-currency liquidity.
The CBE said the value of gold reserves rose about 71% year on year © Mena Today
Egypt ended 2025 with a sharp rise in the value of its gold holdings, as the Central Bank of Egypt increased bullion’s role in the country’s reserve mix to cushion against global volatility and swings in hard-currency liquidity.
The CBE said the value of gold reserves rose about 71% year on year to $18.166bn by end-December. The bank attributed the increase to two main drivers: a sustained rise in global gold prices and the CBE’s accumulation of an additional 79,600 ounces during the year.
Total international reserves increased by $1.236bn in December to a record $51.45bn, the highest level on record. Gold accounted for the majority of the monthly gain, contributing $914m, while liquid foreign-currency holdings rose by $327m to $33.23bn.
The CBE framed the shift as part of a broader strategy to build “financial buffers” by balancing three components: gold, liquid foreign currencies used to support trade and external payments, and IMF Special Drawing Rights. The central bank said this structure is designed to maintain confidence, meet international obligations, and secure essential import needs during periods of market stress.
Higher gold weight can make reserves less sensitive to short-term FX swings, but it is not a substitute for liquid dollars and euros needed for day-to-day payments. The move signals a preference for stability and hedging as Egypt manages external financing needs in a volatile global rates and commodities environment.
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