CAF, the Development Bank of Latin America, and Mastercard Join to Bring More of the Region’s People into the Digital Economy
September 20, 2022 | Miami
Darren Ware, Senior Vice President, Government Engagement, Mastercard Latin America & Caribbean, and Sergio Díaz-Granados, Executive President of CAF.
MIAMI – September 20, 2022 - As world leaders convene for the 77th United Nations General Assembly, CAF, the Development Bank of Latin America, and Mastercard brought together their respective commitments to further accelerate digital transformation in Latin America.
Under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the regional collaboration agreement will deliver a range of projects to bring more people into the digital economy across the 18 CAF member countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. The efforts will be rooted in CAF’s capital increase of USD 7 billion and Mastercard’s global commitment to bring 1 billion people and 50 million micro and small businesses into the digital economy by 2025.
“We see important opportunities in the field of digital transformation in the region, such as the promotion of virtual education, remote access to work, the development of electronic commerce and internet-based services. Still, we are very clear that there is still much to be done to promote a better quality of life for millions of Latin Americans and Caribbeans, especially those in need. The joint work with Mastercard is a space for action to promote digitalization for the benefit of the region,” said Sergio Díaz-Granados, Executive President of CAF.
Initial activities will focus on four areas – financial and digital inclusion, GovTech and cybersecurity, tourism and transit – each of which contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda.
CAF and Mastercard will collaborate to drive the digital economy and financial inclusion through a wide range of initiatives to promote actions in areas including digital government, digital economy and digital society.
The MoU also aims to promote financial inclusion, transparency and innovation, and solutions designed to boost the adoption and usage of digital payments in Latin America and its impact on the financial health of people and SMEs; support economic reactivation by providing tools for SME digitization, financial education, and expanding access to credit in different sectors such as tourism, and agriculture, among others.
About CAF
CAF, the Development Bank of Latin America, has the mission to promote sustainable development and regional integration by financing projects in the public and private sectors, and provide technical cooperation and other specialized services. Established in 1970 currently with 20 member countries -18 in Latin America and the Caribbean with Spain and Portugal - and 13 private banks, CAF is one of the main sources of multilateral financing and an important generator of knowledge for the region.
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 safe, 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.
