التكنولوجيا وأخبارها بوابة مصر لأخبار تكنولوجيا المعلومات والإتصالات وفي أفريقيا كما تعتبر مصدر رئيسي للمعلومات حول تكنولوجيا المعلومات والاتصالات والفرص الاستثمارية المرتبطة بالاقتصاد الرقمي في المنطقة بالكامل
Egyptian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are rapidly embracing digital payments and advanced tools to unlock new growth opportunities, according to the fourth edition of the Mastercard SME Confidence Index released by Mastercard. The report highlights a clear shift toward technology adoption and workforce development as key pillars of business expansion.
Digital Payments at the Core of Expansion
Findings from the study show that 83% of SMEs in Egypt believe that digital payments and online transactions play a critical role in helping their businesses grow faster and more efficiently. Additionally, 75% of respondents identified simple, seamless, and user-friendly payment solutions as essential drivers of growth, emphasizing the importance of frictionless customer experiences in today’s competitive market.
Insights from Mastercard Leadership
Onur Kursun, Executive Vice President, Commercial and New Payment Flows at Mastercard, stated that SMEs remain a vital engine for innovation and economic growth. He noted that businesses across the region are increasingly adopting digital tools, enhancing customer engagement, and investing in workforce skills to strengthen their competitiveness and ensure long-term sustainability.
Adam Jones, Division President, West Arabia at Mastercard, added that Egyptian SMEs are demonstrating a forward-looking vision by focusing on secure, seamless payment experiences and connected business models. He emphasized Mastercard’s role in supporting this transformation through advanced technologies, strategic partnerships, and tailored financial solutions.
Balancing Caution with Resilience
Despite operating in a challenging macroeconomic environment shaped by inflation and currency depreciation, SMEs in Egypt continue to demonstrate resilience. While only 40% of businesses expressed optimism about the next 12 months, many are actively investing in digital payments and customer-centric strategies to enhance operational efficiency and sustain growth.
The Rise of Omnichannel Commerce
Although cash still accounts for 74% of transactions, Egyptian SMEs are increasingly adopting integrated, omnichannel business models. Approximately 64% of businesses now operate across both physical and digital platforms, reflecting evolving consumer expectations and the growing demand for flexible purchasing options.
Workforce Development as a Growth Driver
Beyond digital transformation, SMEs are placing strong emphasis on human capital development. Over half of respondents highlighted access to training (58%) and employee upskilling (55%) as critical factors for future growth. This underscores a broader understanding that sustainable success depends on both technology adoption and talent development.
Tailored Solutions Empower SMEs
Recognizing the diverse needs of SMEs, Mastercard offers tailored digital solutions through its SME Personas Framework. This approach enables financial institutions to deliver customized services suited to different business models, from freelancers to FMCG distributors, ensuring more effective financial support and measurable growth outcomes.
Driving a Competitive Digital Economy
As SMEs continue their digital transformation journey, Mastercard supports businesses across Egypt with innovative payment technologies, cybersecurity solutions, mentoring programs, and data-driven insights. These efforts empower SMEs to operate securely, compete effectively, and thrive in an increasingly digital economy.
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