A new joint report by Visa and Egypt's Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency MSMEDA has revealed that digital payments are becoming a core driver of growth among small and medium-sized enterprises SMEs across Egypt.
The study titled Value of Acceptance: Understanding the Digital Payment Landscape in Egypt the study captures the current pace of adoption, satisfaction levels, remaining obstacles, and the broader impact on economic inclusion.
According to the findings, 77 of SMEs surveyed believe that adopting digital payment technology is crucial for growing their business. This signals a decisive shift in mindset across businesses in Egypt, with digital transactions now viewed not only as an operational upgrade but as a necessary tool for expansion and competitiveness.
This shift in mindset is driving adoption. The study shows that 53 of merchants reported having adopted digital payments for the first time over the past two years. Among SMEs that are still cash-only, 55 expressed interest in adopting digital payment systems. There is a rising level of confidence in digital tools, and a willingness among even traditionally offline businesses to modernise their payment infrastructure.
As this confidence grows, so does the appetite for smarter, more integrated solutions. SMEs are increasingly looking for tools that go beyond basic card transactions. Loyalty programs, enhanced security features, and data-driven insights are among the most sought-after services, offering ways to improve efficiency and customer service.
