Sustainability
We support projects that contribute to Egypt’s sustainable development.
Message from the CEO
“As Egypt enters a new phase of economic development, the way growth is financed is becoming as important as the growth itself, with sustainability increasingly shaping capital allocation and decision-making. At Standard Chartered Egypt, we embed environmental and social considerations into how we support our clients and operate as a bank, focusing on delivering practical solutions that contribute to a more resilient, inclusive, and lower-carbon economy.”
Mohammed Gad
Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Egypt
Environmental stewardship in action
Supporting sustainable development in Egypt
Standard Chartered supports projects that contribute to Egypt’s sustainable development priorities by combining the Group’s global financing expertise with Standard Chartered Egypt’s local market presence. The Group helps mobilise capital, while Standard Chartered Egypt facilitates engagement and coordination across key local stakeholders.
Amunet Wind Farm: Delivering renewable energy at scale
Located in Ras Ghareb, the 500 MW project contributes to Egypt’s climate ambitions by generating approximately 2,500 GWh of renewable electricity annually, enough to supply around 400,000 households, while avoiding an estimated 1.4 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year. The project also promotes resource efficiency through water savings of more than 3 million cubic metres and includes biodiversity measures to protect migratory bird populations. Standard Chartered participated in the financing with USD50 million, alongside IFC, JBIC, and NEXI-supported lenders, supporting the country’s transition to a more sustainable energy system.
Suez Wind Energy Project: Advancing Egypt’s energy transition
The 1.1 GW Suez Wind Energy Project supports Egypt’s transition to a lower-carbon energy system by expanding the country’s renewable energy generation capacity. The project is expected to generate more than 4,300 GWh of clean electricity annually, enough to power over one million homes, while avoiding more than 2 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year. The development is led by ACWA Power in partnership with Hassan Allam Utilities and HAU Energy, a platform backed by Meridiam and the EBRD. By increasing the share of renewable energy in the national grid, the project contributes to the decarbonisation of Egypt’s power sector and enhances long-term energy security.
Egypt’s High-Speed Electric Rail Network: Enabling sustainable connectivity
Connecting over 20 governorates through more than 1,900 kilometres of electrified rail, Egypt’s high-speed rail network will enhance connectivity across key economic and population centres. The project is expected to reduce emissions, improve mobility and support the efficient movement of people and goods. In doing so, it contributes to sustainable economic development and a lower-carbon transport system.
Advancing renewable energy use across our footprint
Having achieved net zero emissions across the Group’s own operations (Scope 1 and Scope 2), Standard Chartered continues to increase the use of renewable electricity, including through renewable energy certificates that support the transition to lower‑carbon power and reduce market-based Scope 2 emissions. At the Group level, this includes sourcing certificates linked to solar generation in Egypt, enabling Standard Chartered Egypt to contribute to growing demand for renewable energy locally while reducing emissions associated with its electricity consumption.
Strengthening environmental performance through EDGE advanced certification
Standard Chartered Egypt achieved EDGE Advanced certification for HO premises, reflecting measurable improvements in energy efficiency, water use and carbon performance, in line with internationally recognised green building standards. Delivered in collaboration with the IFC and other partners, the initiative supports a more resource‑efficient operational footprint while contributing to a healthier and more productive workplace.
Reducing waste, driving resource efficiency
Use less, use longer, use again, and make clean.Reducing waste and maximising resource use is a key focus for Standard Chartered Egypt, which is advancing towards Zero-waste to landfill premises through a structured and collaborative approach to waste management. The initiative introduced systematic waste segregation, recycling and recovery processes, enabling more responsible treatment of waste streams and reducing landfill dependency, while supporting resource efficiency across operations.
Advancing water efficiency through innovative reuse solutions
Turning everyday operations into opportunities for efficiency, Standard Chartered Egypt introduced a green workplace solution that repurposes condensate water from air conditioning systems to support indoor irrigation. This closed-loop approach reduces water waste and reliance on freshwater resources, while improving resource efficiency across operations. In addition to environmental benefits, the initiative reinforces sustainability awareness, demonstrating how practical, locally driven solutions can contribute to a more efficient and environmentally responsible workplace.
Investing in our communities
Partnering to create inclusive communities
In 2025, Standard Chartered, through the Standard Chartered Foundation, launched the Women in Tech Accelerator in Egypt in partnership with AUC Venture Lab and Village Capital. The programme supports women-led, tech-enabled microbusinesses with the skills, networks and funding required to scale, with a target to support 36 businesses and contribute to at least 50 jobs between 2025 and 2027, backed by USD 90,000 in growth funding.
The inaugural cohort saw 11 startups selected from over 240 applications complete more than 35 training sessions and 40 mentorship engagements. The programme concluded with a Demo Day, where three ventures each received USD 10,000 in equity-free funding, alongside access to networks and partnerships to support their continued growth.
Employee Volunteering in action
Putting purpose into practice, Standard Chartered Egypt’s employee volunteering programme enables colleagues to contribute their time and skills to support local communities. In collaboration with partners such as the Egyptian Food Bank and Misr El Kheir Foundation, employees participated in initiatives meaningful and lasting social impact across local communities.
In addition, the Bank organised employee-led donation drives, encouraging contributions of essential items for redistribution to individuals in need. Through these activities, colleagues contribute to community well-being while fostering a culture of care, collaboration and shared responsibility, reinforcing the Bank’s commitment to creating sustainable and inclusive social impact.
Latest sustainability news and insights
Standard Chartered launches 2026 ‘Women in Tech’ Accelerator in Egypt in collaboration with Entlaq
Standard Chartered Foundation has launched the second edition of the Women in Tech Accelerator in Egypt in partnership with Entlaq and Village Capital, reaffirming its commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs and fostering innovation within Egypt’s growing startup ecosystem.
The 2026 programme will support 12 women-led technology startups through investment readiness training, business development support, mentorship, and access to entrepreneurial networks. At the end of the programme, three winning startups will receive equity-free grant funding totalling USD35,000
Building on the success of the inaugural Egypt cohort in 2025, which attracted 240 applications and supported 11 startups through more than 35 training sessions and 40 mentoring and networking engagements, the programme aims to equip founders with the skills, connections, and opportunities needed to scale their businesses and drive sustainable growth.
Through this collaboration, Standard Chartered Foundation, Entlaq, and Village Capital continue to empower women entrepreneurs, strengthen Egypt’s innovation ecosystem, and support the development of high-impact businesses that contribute to economic growth and job creation.
Learn more about Women in tech.
Reporting our impact and progress
Learn about our progress with our 2025 ESG and carbon footprint report, Catalysing sustainable growth in Egypt.