Egyptian fintech giant Valu has gained final approval from the Central Bank of Jordan to start operations in the country. This move marks a big step in Valu’s plan to grow across the Middle East, with full services expected to roll out in early 2026.
Approval Paves Way for Regional Growth
Valu, a top player in Egypt’s fintech scene, received the green light under a Specialized Finance license. This allows the company to offer consumer financing options in Jordan starting in the first quarter of 2026.
The approval comes after Valu got initial nods in 2025. Leaders at Valu say this fits their goal to boost financial access in the region. They plan to focus on sectors like retail, electronics, healthcare, and education, giving people flexible ways to pay.
Habiba Naguib, Valu’s Chief Market Expansion and Strategy Officer, called it a key moment. She highlighted how Jordan fits into their long term vision. The company aims to create products that meet local needs and support the economy.
Valu has named strong leaders for its Jordan branch. Former Jordanian Minister of Investment and Digital Economy Mothanna Gharaibeh will serve as Chairman. Fintech expert Mohammad Al Yousef takes the CEO role. This team brings local knowledge and global experience to drive success.
Services Tailored for Jordan Market
Valu plans to bring its popular Buy Now Pay Later model to Jordan. This lets users split payments over time without high interest burdens. In Egypt, Valu already serves millions through over 5,000 points of sale and hundreds of websites.
In Jordan, the focus will be on making finance easy and responsible. Consumers can expect options for everyday buys and big ticket items. The company wants to help more people join the digital economy.
Here are some key services Valu will offer:
- Flexible payment plans for retail shopping
- Financing for electronics and gadgets
- Support for healthcare costs
- Education loans and related funding
Valu also offers other tools like savings plans and instant cash programs. These have helped it grow fast in Egypt since starting in 2017.
Experts say Jordan’s tech savvy population makes it a smart choice. With rising demand for digital finance, Valu could fill gaps in the market.
Boosting Financial Inclusion and Local Ties
A big part of Valu’s plan is to promote financial inclusion. This means helping underserved groups get better access to money tools. In Jordan, where digital adoption is growing, this could make a real difference.
The company promises to invest in local talent. They aim to hire and train Jordanian workers, creating jobs and skills in fintech. This ties into broader goals for the region’s economy.
Valu’s move follows other wins. In 2025, it listed on the Egyptian Exchange and teamed up with Amazon, which bought a stake in the firm. These steps show strong backing and growth potential.
| Key Milestones for Valu | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Founded in Egypt | 2017 | Started as BNPL pioneer in MENA |
| Initial Jordan Clearance | 2025 | Got early regulatory nods |
| EGX Listing | 2025 | Went public on Egyptian Exchange |
| Amazon Partnership | 2025 | Tech giant acquired 3.25% stake |
| Jordan Launch | 2026 | Full operations in Q1 |
This table shows Valu’s steady progress toward becoming a regional leader.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Expanding to new markets brings hurdles. Valu must navigate local rules and compete with existing players. Jordan’s finance sector is evolving, with support from the Central Bank for innovation.
Still, opportunities look bright. Recent trends show more people in the Middle East turning to fintech for daily needs. Valu’s track record in Egypt gives it an edge.
Analysts predict this launch could spark more cross border fintech moves. It might encourage other Egyptian firms to eye Jordan and beyond.
Valu is not alone in Egypt’s bustling fintech space. Other news includes Bank NXT partnering with IBM for digital upgrades. This shows the whole sector is pushing forward.
What This Means for Consumers
For everyday users in Jordan, Valu’s arrival means more choices. People can manage budgets better with tailored finance options. This could ease the strain of big purchases during tough economic times.
Businesses gain too. Retailers and service providers can partner with Valu to attract more customers. It’s a win for the local economy.
As 2026 begins, watch for Valu’s impact. It could reshape how Jordanians handle money in a digital world.
What do you think about Valu’s expansion? Share your thoughts in the comments and pass this article to friends interested in fintech news.
