Djibouti, 4 November 2025 — Egypt's state-owned lender, Banque Misr, has opened its first branch in the Horn of Africa in Djibouti City, marking a significant step in Cairo’s financial expansion in the region.
The launch ceremony was attended by Djiboutian Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed, Governor of the Central Bank of Djibouti Ahmed Osman Ali, Egyptian Ambassador Khaled Fadi Mahmoud Al-Shazly, and top executives from Banque Misr.
Prime Minister Mohamed said the new branch is expected to support private-sector growth, strengthen trade and investment flows, and reinforce economic ties between Djibouti and Egypt.
“The entry of Banque Misr reflects confidence in Djibouti’s economy and its banking system,” the Prime Minister said. “It will play an important role in financing innovation and supporting local enterprises.”
The Central Bank Governor said the move signals international trust in Djibouti’s financial stability and developing banking sector.
“Opening a bank is a strong signal — it shows belief in the future of our economy,” he said. “This institution will support business expansion, jobs, and investment,” said Ali.
The launch comes amid intensifying strategic cooperation between both countries, including recent high-level visits by Djiboutian President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh to Cairo and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s visit to Djibouti.
The 105-year-old bank said its first Horn of Africa branch will facilitate trade finance, support Egyptian and regional companies, and enhance cross-border investment, particularly along Red Sea and Indian Ocean trade routes.
Djibouti, positioned at the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, has become a key regional banking hub as it diversifies its economy and expands its port and logistics infrastructure.