The CBE recently hosted the launch event, where Rami Aboul
Naga, Deputy Governor of the CBE, delivered the opening speech. He was joined
by senior officials from the central bank, the banking sector, and
representatives from Egyptian universities. Aboul Naga emphasized that the
competition aligns with the CBE’s fintech and innovation strategy, which
focuses on training and developing young talent, equipping them with the skills
required for the labor market. The initiative also highlights institutional collaboration
between the banking sector and educational institutions, reflecting the state’s
commitment to digital transformation, financial inclusion, and fostering a
culture of innovation among youth.
The competition included multiple stages, starting with
university-level screenings and culminating in the selection of the top 11
projects. These teams joined a one-month incubation program at the DMZ Cairo
business hub, designed to help them transform innovative ideas into practical
market-ready solutions. The event concluded with the announcement of the top
three winners
Ayman Hussein, First Undersecretary of the CBE, presented
the awards to the winning teams. ESLSCA University took first place for its
Tapay app, which turns smartphones into contactless payment devices,
facilitating transactions without traditional POS machines. The British
University in Egypt secured second place with Money Adventure, an interactive
app designed to educate children about financial literacy. Cairo University won
third place with AgriDawar, a digital platform connecting farmers directly with
buyers of agricultural residues, using e-payments and digital wallets to ensure
transparent and fast money transfers.
The three winning teams represented Egypt at the “Arab
FinTech Competition” in Dubai in October 2025. ESLSCA University and the
British University in Egypt won first and second place, respectively, competing
against universities from other Arab countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia,
Qatar, and Morocco.
Dr. Rasha Negm, Assistant Governor of the CBE, highlighted
that past FinTech Got Talent participants have achieved remarkable results,
winning top positions in previous Arab FinTech competitions. She emphasized
that these achievements showcase the exceptional capabilities of Egyptian youth
and reinforce Egypt’s position as a regional hub for fintech innovation.
Launched in 2023 under the FinYology initiative, FinTech Got
Talent is the first competition of its kind in the region. It aims to integrate
students into practical environments, provide skills and experience, and
develop creativity across multiple fields, preparing them for the labor market.
The FinYology initiative now includes over 30 Egyptian universities, with
approximately 900 projects implemented and the participation of nearly 19,000
students. The projects receive ongoing support from around 18 Egyptian banks,
reflecting the CBE and the banking sector’s commitment to nurturing young
talent and promoting fintech entrepreneurship.