Egypt’s Central Bank (CBE) has launched the Haweya digital ID platform—starting with a new website and soon a mobile app—to accelerate financial inclusion and simplify access to public and private services nationwide. The initiative introduces a unified biometric digital identity that will allow Egyptians to verify their identity, open bank accounts, and complete eKYC processes entirely online.
The Haweya website, launched last month, enables remote digital KYC, document verification, SIM card purchases, and onboarding for 37 banks, alongside additional government and telecom services. Once the mobile application goes live, citizens will be able to use face and fingerprint biometrics, combined with digital signatures, to securely access financial and other services without visiting physical locations.
To join the platform, users must register their biometric data, which becomes their trusted digital ID profile for all subsequent interactions. The CBE says this system will significantly reduce paperwork, prevent errors, and streamline identity verification across sectors—all while boosting financial inclusion, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
The project is led by Haweya CEO Tamer Gadalla and reinforced by digital transformation leaders across Egypt’s financial ecosystem. Raya IT has also secured funding to support digital public infrastructure expansion tied to the initiative.
Industry leaders, including Banque Misr’s Mahmoud Hussein, describe Haweya as a “bold step toward a fully digital financial ecosystem.” With financial inclusion already at 76%—well above the MENA average of 53%—Egypt aims to cement its position as a regional fintech and digital identity pioneer.
