The Central Bank of Egypt, in 2025, recorded a 71% year-over-year appreciation in the value of its gold reserves.
This makes it a striking gain that underscores Cairo’s growing reliance on precious metals to shield its economy from global uncertainty.
In a year marked by volatile currencies and tightening financial conditions worldwide, the surge in Egypt’s gold holdings emerged as one of the country’s most notable economic milestones.
According to data from the Central Bank of Egypt, the market value of gold stored in state vaults climbed to $18.166 billion by the end of December, reflecting a deliberate strategy to use bullion as a hedge against external shocks.
The rise proved to be more than a paper gain. Gold acted as a critical buffer, helping to stabilise Egypt’s foreign reserves at times when liquid foreign currency balances fluctuated sharply. As a result, overall reserves avoided the kind of decline seen in several emerging markets over the same period.
As reported by The Egypt Independent, two factors drove the milestone: the sustained rally in global gold prices and the central bank’s proactive decision to add 79,600 ounces of gold over the course of the year.
The impact was visible in the broader reserves picture. The central bank said Egypt’s total international reserves reached a record high of $51.45 billion, following a $1.236 billion increase in December alone, thus making it the highest level in the country’s history.
Gold accounted for the bulk of that monthly rise, contributing $914 million, while liquid foreign currency assets increased by $327 million to $33.23 billion.
Beyond state finances, gold’s strong performance also rippled through private wealth. In October, reports showed that Naguib Sawiris became the richest individual in North Africa, as soaring bullion prices boosted the value of his mining-linked investments.
Sawiris’ net worth climbed from $8.69 billion at the start of the year to $9.88 billion by October, despite his earlier announcement of plans to invest heavily in US real estate.
His investment firm, La Mancha, disclosed that it had increased its stake in Greenheart Gold Inc. by two million shares, lifting its total holding to around five percent. By October, the firm’s portfolio was valued at $2.44 billion.
Sawiris also holds significant stakes in Endeavour Mining and Evolution Mining. Both companies reported production of 751 kilograms of gold and 76 kilograms of copper during the first three quarters of 2025, in line with guidance.
Evolution Mining reported quarterly and annual cash flows of $308 million and $787 million, respectively.
Meanwhile, Capital Brief said the company generated record operating mine cash flow of $697 million in the third quarter of 2025 and $2.288 billion for the financial year leading up to Q4.
Together, the figures highlight how gold from central bank vaults to private portfolios played a pivotal role in shaping Egypt’s financial landscape in 2025.