As venture dollars retreat from emerging markets, Egypt’s MNT-Halan is leaning into a different kind of fuel: structured debt.
Its latest EGP 3.4 billion ($71.4 million) securitised bond issuance marks a significant turn in fintech funding strategy, positioning the company as a rare success story amid global capital headwinds.
The Latest Power Play: An EGP 3.4B Bond That Screams Confidence
MNT-Halan’s fresh capital comes via a five-instalment securitised bond programme, approved by the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) for up to EGP 8 billion overall.
Jointly managed by heavyweights Commercial International Bank (CIB) and CI Capital, the issuance consists of maturities from six to 36 months, catering to a mix of short-term liquidity needs and longer-term stability.
What stands out? The strong credit ratings from Middle East Rating & Investors Service (MERIS), including a Prime 1 (P1) for the shortest tranche, signal robust investor faith in the company’s asset quality despite Egypt’s economic headwinds.
This isn’t MNT-Halan’s first experience with securitisation but the seventh. But in a market where fintechs struggle with high interest rates and currency volatility, this raise points to a maturing ecosystem.
Investors aren’t just buying bonds; they’re betting on a lender that’s disbursed over $11 billion in loans to more than 8 million unbanked customers since its inception.
That’s financial inclusion at scale, powering everything from microloans to e-commerce deliveries.
From Ride-Hailing Hustle to Super-App Dominance
Founded in 2018 by Mounir Nakhla and Ahmed Mohsen, MNT-Halan didn’t start as a lending giant but as a ride-hailing service, spotting the gaps in Egypt’s informal economy.
By switching to fintech, it evolved into a comprehensive super-app encompassing consumer finance (via Halan), digital payments, e-commerce, and logistics.
Today, it’s Egypt’s first homegrown fintech unicorn, processing $4.2 billion in transactions last year alone.
The numbers tell the growth story: Over 8 million users, with 54% of loans going to women and 41% to those under 35.
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In an inflationary environment where traditional banks shun the unbanked, MNT-Halan’s model, including AI-driven credit scoring and instant disbursals, has filled a void, enabling small businesses and everyday Egyptians to thrive.
Securitisation: The Non-Dilutive Liquidity Hack
At the heart of MNT-Halan’s ascent is securitisation: bundling loan receivables into tradable bonds sold to investors, freeing up capital for more lending without surrendering equity.
This “debt play” converts illiquid assets into immediate cash, ideal for high-velocity operations in volatile markets.
It’s a masterclass in balanced funding: Use debt for the grind of daily lending, and reserve equity rounds for ambitious innovations like AI enhancements or regional expansions (they’re already eyeing Pakistan with a $10 million investment).
In Egypt’s credit boom, where fintech funding hit 48.3% of Africa’s total in 2024, this approach minimises risk and maximises reach.
Echoing valU: A Shared Playbook in Egypt’s Fintech Arena
MNT-Halan isn’t alone in this strategy; rival valU has raised EGP 12.3 billion ($246 million) across 15 securitisation issuances since 2021, proving the model’s viability for consumer lenders.
Both tap Egypt’s deepening capital markets, where regulatory reforms are unlocking debt tools for fintechs.
valU’s recent EGP 1.2 billion ($22.9 million) bond in October 2025 mirrors MNT-Halan’s tranche structure, blending short- and medium-term options to attract diverse investors.
This convergence signals a shift: From equity-hungry startups to debt-savvy scale-ups, Egyptian fintechs are blending global best practices with local realities.
MNT-Halan: Egypt’s Fintech Powerhouse Driving Financial Inclusion
MNT-Halan has quickly risen to become one of Egypt’s leading fintech and digital finance companies, offering innovative solutions across lending, payments, and e-commerce.
With a mission to promote financial inclusion, the company has built a robust ecosystem serving millions of customers and small businesses.
Across Egypt, MNT Halan branches continue to expand, offering accessible financial services in both urban and rural areas.
Customers can locate their nearest MNT Halan address or reach support through the official MNT Halan contact channels for assistance with loans, mobile payments, or wallet services.
The company’s success is reflected in its strong financial performance, as MNT-Halan revenue has grown steadily, driven by digital lending and payment adoption.
Following multiple MNT-Halan funding rounds backed by international investors, the fintech’s MNT-Halan valuation has reached unicorn status, positioning it among the most valuable startups in Africa.
With discussions surrounding a potential MNT-Halan IPO, investor interest continues to climb, signalling confidence in the company’s long-term growth strategy.
Professionals can stay updated on developments through MNT-Halan LinkedIn, where the company regularly posts news, job openings, and corporate milestones.
Ronnie Paul is a seasoned writer and analyst with a prolific portfolio of over 1,000 published articles, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency, and digital finance at Africa Digest News.
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