Egypt to Introduce Card Tokenisation by 2025 to Strengthen Digital Payment Security

Egypt’s Central Bank (CBE) has announced plans to implement card tokenisation by 2025, marking a critical step in enhancing the country’s digital payment security. This innovative measure substitutes sensitive card details with unique digital tokens during online transactions, significantly reducing fraud risks and protecting consumer data.

Safeguarding Egypt’s Expanding Digital Economy

With Egypt’s digital transaction volumes projected to surpass EGP 22 trillion by the end of 2024, up from EGP 7 trillion in 2021, the introduction of tokenisation is timely. It ensures that consumers’ card details remain inaccessible to unauthorised parties, bolstering trust in the nation’s rapidly growing digital payment systems.

This initiative aligns Egypt with global fintech trends. Leading networks such as Mastercard have committed to tokenisation for all online transactions by 2030, underscoring a worldwide push to mitigate fraud and enhance cybersecurity.

Regional Efforts to Secure Digital Payments

Egypt’s move reflects a broader African commitment to modernising financial infrastructure. In early 2023, Nigeria’s Central Bank introduced AfriGo, a domestic card scheme aimed at improving financial inclusion and reducing reliance on global card networks. Such initiatives demonstrate a shared vision across the continent to secure the burgeoning digital economy.

Building Consumer Confidence and Financial Inclusion

Tokenisation not only enhances security but also plays a pivotal role in fostering consumer confidence—a key driver for greater adoption of digital payment systems. By providing secure and convenient payment options, these measures support financial inclusion, making digital financial services more accessible to underserved populations.

A Model for Regional Progress

As Egypt implements card tokenisation, it sets a benchmark for other nations in the region to follow. This milestone represents a significant advancement in the country’s journey toward a secure, inclusive, and modern digital financial ecosystem, paving the way for economic growth and improved consumer trust across Africa.

By adopting innovative security measures, Egypt underscores its role as a leader in digital transformation, contributing to a safer and more interconnected global financial landscape.