The Commercial International Bank (CIB) and Nile University recently celebrated the graduation of the first cohort from the Sustainable Finance Programme, an initiative developed with CIB's support under the auspices of the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE). This programme is part of CIB Egypt's ongoing collaboration with leading educational institutions committed to innovation and academic development. Designed to align with labor market needs and national economic priorities, the initiative emphasizes digital transformation and sustainable development in accordance with Egypt Vision 2030 and the CBE's Financial Inclusion Strategy (2022-2025). The partnership has laid the foundation for future joint programmes focused on retail banking and sustainable finance. The graduation ceremony marks a milestone for students who have gained cutting-edge knowledge and practical tools to support SME owners, fostering both economic and societal growth. The event underscores the importance of institutional collaboration in bridging the gap between education and industry, demonstrating how private sector involvement can elevate Egypt's educational landscape. By equipping a new generation of professionals with expertise in sustainable development and SME finance, the programme strengthens the financial and banking sectors while aligning with national strategic goals. In 2022, Nile University and CIB signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch this first-of-its-kind academic programme in Egypt, specializing in sustainable finance for SMEs. Under the patronage of the CBE, the initiative reflects CIB's commitment to nurturing young talent and supplying the job market with highly skilled professionals capable of navigating Egypt's evolving economic landscape. The collaboration reinforces the CBE's dedication to investing in the development of banking professionals, beginning with training and education to shape future leaders in finance.
