Central Bank of Egypt to roll out card tokenisation in 2025 to boost digital payment security
In 2025, the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) will introduce card tokenisation, a new security measure to protect digital payments and reduce the risk of fraud. This move will replace sensitive card details with unique digital identifiers, making online transactions safer for consumers and businesses alike.
As Egypt’s digital payments continue to surge, projected to exceed EGP 22 trillion by the end of 2024 (a huge leap from EGP 7 trillion in 2021), security has become more crucial than ever. Tokenisation ensures that personal card details are shielded from cybercriminals, helping to build consumer trust in the country’s growing digital payment systems.
The CBE’s plan to implement this system by 2025 aligns with global fintech trends. For example, Mastercard has pledged to implement tokenisation for all online transactions by 2030, showing the worldwide push toward stronger cybersecurity.
On a regional level, African nations are also prioritising secure digital payments. Nigeria’s Central Bank launched AfriGo in 2023, a local card scheme designed to boost financial inclusion and reduce reliance on international networks.
As Egypt joins this movement, tokenisation will not only improve security but also increase consumer confidence in digital payments, driving further adoption of e-commerce and supporting the financial inclusion of more citizens.
With this initiative, Egypt is setting a powerful example for other African nations, showing how secure digital payments can help shape a modern, inclusive economy.
