Egypt’s leading fintech company, Valu, is gearing up for a major milestone—its initial public offering (IPO) on the Egyptian Exchange (EGX) in 2026.
This strategic move, approved by its parent company EFG Holding, will see up to 25 percent of Valu’s shares listed on the stock market, making it the second-ever fintech IPO in Egypt after Fawry.
The decision comes as Valu continues to expand its financial services portfolio, securing a license from Egypt’s Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) to enhance digital financial inclusion.
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Valu’s expansion: From BNPL to a fintech powerhouse
Founded in 2017, Valu initially made its mark in the Buy-Now, Pay-Later (BNPL) space, offering consumers flexible payment solutions. Over the years, the company has evolved into a full-scale financial services provider, now covering customisable financing plans for up to 60 months with no down payment, partnerships with over 6,500 retailers and 2,000 online stores, and operations in more than 32,000 points of sale. Additionally, Valu has achieved over 3 million app downloads and has facilitated 7.8 million transactions.
Its recent fintech license from the FRA further cements its position, allowing Valu to provide a fully digital financial experience, including electronic verification, digital contracts, and secure record-keeping.
EFG Holding restructures ownership ahead of IPO
To prepare for the IPO, EFG Holding has taken a unique approach by distributing 20.488 percent of Valu’s shares to its shareholders instead of cash dividends. This move aims to enhance investor engagement by allowing shareholders to own a stake in Valu’s future growth, improve liquidity on the EGX by increasing available shares for public trading, and strengthen Valu’s market valuation, aligning with global fintech trends. Once regulatory approvals and FRA registration are finalised, shareholders will be able to trade Valu’s shares on the EGX, with EFG Holding retaining at least a 67% indirect stake in the company.
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What Valu’s IPO means for Egypt’s fintech industry
Valu’s decision to go public is part of a larger trend in Africa, where fintech startups are increasingly turning to stock markets for growth and credibility. With Nigeria’s Flutterwave and South Africa’s Tyme Group also exploring IPOs, Egypt’s fintech sector is positioning itself for global investor attention.
Valu CEO Walid Hassouna called the IPO a “pivotal moment” that will boost financial inclusion and innovation in Egypt. Meanwhile, EFG Holding’s CEO Karim Awad emphasised that the listing will “maximise returns for investors and set a benchmark for fintech IPOs in the region.”
As Egypt’s digital economy continues to expand, Valu’s IPO could set the stage for more fintech companies to follow suit, fostering a more dynamic and tech-driven financial market