Arab Finance: The third week of August wrapped up with notable economic developments, as the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) expected Egypt’s headline inflation to accelerate temporarily through the third quarter (Q3) of 2026 before gradually easing toward its target range in the second half (H2) of 2027. Meanwhile, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi renewed Hassan Abdalla’s appointment as Acting Governor of the CBE for another year.

Here are the top 10 viral news stories of the week:

1-CBE expects inflation to ease toward target in H2 2027 amid geopolitical risks

The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) expected Egypt’s headline inflation to accelerate temporarily through the third quarter (Q3) of 2026 before gradually easing toward its target range in the second half (H2) of 2027

2-El-Sisi renews Hassan Abdalla’s term as CBE governor for 1 year

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has renewed Hassan Abdalla’s appointment as Acting Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) for another year.

3-Egypt’s exports rise 7.1% YoY in H1 2026: CAPMAS

Egyptian exports rose by around 7.1% year on year (YoY) to $28 billion in the first half (H1) of 2026.

4-EGX unveils semi-annual changes to key indices effective September 1

The Egyptian Exchange (EGX) announced changes to the constituents of key market indices as part of its semi-annual review, with the new modification taking effect on Tuesday, September 1.

5-FRA issues new short-selling rules with 50% minimum cash collateral

The Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) has issued a new regulatory framework for short selling, requiring investors to provide cash collateral equal to at least 50% of the market value of the borrowed securities before executing a transaction.

6-Egypt accounts for 48% of Africa’s $7B sukuk market as of August: Fitch

Egypt accounted for 48% of Africa’s outstanding sukuk as of August 2026, leading a continental market valued at more than $7 billion.

7-National Investment Bank posts EGP 6B profit in FY2024/25

The National Investment Bank (NIB) recorded a net profit of nearly EGP 6 billion in fiscal year (FY) 2024/2025, reversing losses of EGP 31.7 billion a year earlier.

8-CBE directs banks to submit 2027 financial literacy plans in Q4 2026

The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) has instructed banks operating in the Egyptian market to submit comprehensive financial literacy action plans for 2027 during the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2026.

9-Orascom Investment appoints Naguib Sawiris as Chairman

The board members of Orascom Investment Holding (OIH) agreed to appoint Naguib Onsi Sawiris as Chairman of the board of directors.

10-Korra Energi logs EGP 3.2B revenue in H1 2026 with contract portfolio at EGP 15.7B

Korra Energi has delivered robust performance in the first half (H1) of 2026, posting EGP 3.243 billion in revenue and a gross profit of EGP 665 million.