North Africa
Egypt
Egyptian Exchange (EGX)
The Egyptian Exchange (EGX) is one of the oldest stock exchanges in Africa, established in 1883. Operating across Cairo and Alexandria, it provides exposure to Egypt — Africa's most populous country and second-largest economy by GDP — across banking, real estate, telecoms, fertilisers, and consumer goods.
Exchange at a Glance
- Exchange
- Egyptian Exchange (EGX)
- Currency
- Egyptian Pound (EGP)
- Regulator
- Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA)
- CSD
- Misr for Central Clearing, Depository and Registry (MCDR)
- Settlement
- T+2
- Trading Hours
- 10:00 – 14:30 EET
- Listed Companies
- 200+
- Index
- EGX30 (Blue-chip), EGX70, EGX100
Market Overview
Africa's second-largest economy, operating across Cairo and Alexandria
The Egyptian Exchange lists over 200 companies across Egypt's most economically significant sectors. Financial services dominate, with major banks including Commercial International Bank (CIB), Banque du Caire, Credit Agricole Egypt, and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank Egypt among the most liquid names. Real estate and construction are prominent, reflecting Egypt's urbanisation trajectory, with Palm Hills Developments, Talaat Moustafa Group, and SODIC among major issuers. The fertiliser and chemicals sector is significant — Abu Qir Fertilizers and Misr Fertilizers Production Company (MOPCO) are bellwether names for Egypt's agricultural export economy.
Egypt is classified as a frontier market by MSCI and FTSE Russell, a status that reflects its market access characteristics rather than economic scale. The EGX has historically offered low correlation to Sub-Saharan African exchanges, making it a distinct source of African diversification for institutional portfolios seeking differentiated exposure across the continent.
The Egyptian pound (EGP) has experienced significant devaluations since 2022 as part of IMF-supported economic reform programmes. Currency dynamics are a central risk consideration for offshore institutional investors in EGX-listed securities. Repatriation of investment proceeds is generally permitted for non-resident investors through the Custodian Investment Account (CIA) mechanism.
Institutional Access
How investors access the EGX
Non-resident institutional investors access the EGX through a Custodian Investment Account (CIA), a segregated custody account held at an EGX-licensed custodian that enables foreign ownership and repatriation of funds in foreign currency. The settlement infrastructure is operated by MCDR (Misr for Central Clearing, Depository and Registry), which operates on a T+2 cycle. Custodian options for offshore investors include Citibank Egypt, HSBC Egypt, National Bank of Egypt, and Societe Generale Egypt.
Veri Platform
Veri provides connectivity to Egyptian equities through its custodian network, enabling clients to hold EGX-listed positions alongside other African markets in a single consolidated portfolio. Multi-currency reporting converts EGP positions to the client's base currency, with daily reconciliation against MCDR custodian records.
Egypt — Q&A
Common Questions
What is the EGX and what does it list?
The Egyptian Exchange (EGX) is one of the oldest stock exchanges in Africa, established in 1883 and operating across Cairo and Alexandria. It lists over 200 companies spanning banking, real estate, construction, fertilisers, telecommunications, and consumer goods. The EGX30 index tracks Egypt's 30 most liquid and largest-cap companies. Egypt is classified as a frontier market by MSCI and FTSE Russell.
How do non-resident investors access EGX-listed securities?
Non-resident institutional investors access EGX securities through a Custodian Investment Account (CIA) — a segregated custody account held at an EGX-licensed custodian. The CIA mechanism enables foreign ownership and repatriation of investment proceeds in foreign currency. Settlement operates on T+2 through MCDR (Misr for Central Clearing, Depository and Registry). Major custodian providers for offshore investors include Citibank Egypt, HSBC Egypt, and National Bank of Egypt.
What currency risk applies to EGX investments?
EGX-listed equities are denominated in Egyptian pounds (EGP). The EGP has undergone significant devaluations since 2022 as part of IMF-backed reform programmes, creating material FX risk for offshore investors holding EGP-denominated positions. Currency dynamics are a primary consideration in return attribution for non-EGP portfolios with Egyptian equity exposure. Repatriation of proceeds is generally permitted through the CIA mechanism in foreign currency.
What are the main sectors on the EGX?
Financial services are the largest sector by market capitalisation on the EGX, led by Commercial International Bank (CIB), which is the most liquid and widely held name. Real estate and construction are prominent, with Palm Hills, Talaat Moustafa Group, and SODIC among major issuers. The fertiliser and chemicals sector is significant, with Abu Qir Fertilizers and MOPCO among the most traded industrial names. Telecommunications, media, and consumer goods round out the major sectors.
Does Veri provide access to Egyptian equities?
Yes. Veri provides connectivity to EGX-listed securities through its institutional custodian network. Client accounts on the Veri Platform can hold Egyptian equities alongside positions in other African markets, with consolidated performance reporting in the client's base currency and daily reconciliation against custodian records at MCDR.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice, a solicitation, or an offer to buy or sell any security. All investment decisions should be made in consultation with a licensed financial adviser.
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Access Egypt markets through Veri
The Veri Platform provides regulated investment administration for institutional investors, financial advisers, asset managers, and pension administrators seeking access to African markets — including the EGX — from Mauritius.