Rawbank becomes first bank in DRC to launch Mastercard Carbon Calculator

January 21, 2025 | Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Rawbank is the first bank in DRC to offer this product which aims to transform banking into a driver of environmental awareness 
  • The Mastercard Carbon Calculator empowers consumers to measure their estimated carbon footprint in a simple and convenient way

 

Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, 21 January 2025 - Rawbank, a bank in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has become the first bank in the country to integrate the Mastercard Carbon Calculator into its online banking platform, Rawbank Online, where it is now available for their customers. This initiative aims to help customers make more informed and conscious choices, aligning with Rawbank’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.  

Developed by Mastercard in collaboration with Doconomy and powered by Åland Index, the Carbon Calculator provides users with an easy-to-understand estimate of the CO2 emissions generated by their purchases. 

Mustafa Rawji, Chief Executive Officer of Rawbank, said: "We are building a banking model that goes beyond financial services, driving concrete action for the future of our environment and communities. Mastercard’s Carbon Calculator enables customers to become active contributors to an ecological approach, aligning their financial habits with environmental awareness. This initiative reflects our commitment to make positive and lasting impact on the DRC." 

Mohamed Benomar, Country General Manager, Northwest Africa, Mastercard, said: “Mastercard’s collaboration with Rawbank is a significant step towards building a sustainable future. Through the Carbon Calculator, we are equipping individuals in the DRC with valuable insights into the environmental impact of their purchases, encouraging more responsible consumption habits. Together, we are empowering consumers to make informed financial choices that contribute to a more sustainable world.”

This collaboration supports Mastercard's global commitment to sustainability, including its Priceless Planet Coalition, which aims to fund the restoration of 100 million trees worldwide with the aim of fighting climate change and achieving net-zero emissions by 2040. 

By integrating Mastercard’s Carbon Calculator, Rawbank aims to promote responsible consumer behavior and contribute to the efforts toward a low-carbon economy. This initiative aligns with Rawbank’s commitment to sustainable finance in the DRC, through promoting environmental awareness.

Launched at a time when environmental awareness is becoming a priority for the financial sector, this initiative aims to transform the banking experience while laying the foundations for a more sustainable future for the DRC. According to the UN Environment Program, the DRC holds approximately 60% of the Congo Basin’s tropical forest, underscoring the DRC’s critical role in helping to mitigate global carbon emissions. Initiatives like this are vital as they create a link between financial services and environmental awareness, encouraging widespread participation in climate action. 

 

About Mastercard

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

www.mastercard.com