Egypt’s gold reserves jump by three-quarters in 2025

The value of gold reserves at Egypt’s central bank reportedly surged by almost three-quarters to $18.2 billion in 2025.

The central bank added 79,600 ounces of gold last year, using the yellow metal as a hedge to bolster its financial position amid global volatility, the Egypt Independent newspaper reported, citing official data.

The rise in value stemmed from a sustained rally in global gold prices, which acted as a vital buffer shielding Cairo’s international reserves from decline during periods of volatility.

Total international reserves increased by $1.2 billion in December, lifting the aggregate balance to a new high of $51.5 billion.

Gold served as the main driver of the monthly growth, contributing $914 million, while liquid foreign-currency holdings rose by $327 million to $33.2 billion, the report said.

Egypt builds its financial buffers through three key assets: gold, liquid foreign currencies that support foreign trade, and special drawing rights at the International Monetary Fund.

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In December, Egypt’s central bank and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) signed an agreement to set up a pan-African Gold Bank in Egypt.

The move aims to formalise gold value chains, strengthen central-bank reserves and reduce Africa’s reliance on foreign refining and trading hubs.

According to the latest report by the World Gold Council, central banks’ gold demand remained strong in November.

Net purchases reached 45 tonnes, bringing the year-to-date figure to 297 tonnes, supported by continued gold buying by emerging-market central banks.