Rawbank announced on January 21, 2025, that it will integrate the Mastercard Carbon Calculator into its online platform. The lender thus becomes the first to partner with Mastercard in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The new tool will help Rawbank’s customers better understand and reduce their carbon footprint, promoting eco-friendly financial practices.

"We are building a banking model that goes beyond financial services by initiating concrete actions for the future of our environment and our communities," said Mustafa Rawji, General Manager of Rawbank. "The Carbon Calculator offers our customers the opportunity to actively contribute to an ecological approach, aligning their financial habits with environmental preservation. This initiative illustrates our commitment to generating a positive and sustainable impact in the DRC."

Mohamed Benomar, Mastercard's Country Manager for Northwest Africa, emphasized that this partnership is a major milestone towards sustainability. "Thanks to the Carbon Calculator, we offer users in the DRC valuable information on the environmental impact of their purchases, encouraging them to adopt more responsible consumption habits. Together, we enable them to make informed financial choices that contribute to a more sustainable world," Benomar said.

Launched amid growing environmental awareness in the financial sector, this initiative seeks to transform the banking experience while laying the groundwork for a greener future in the DRC. The United Nations Environment Programme highlights that 60% of the Congo Basin rainforest is in the DRC, underscoring the country's vital role in mitigating global carbon emissions.

The partnership with Mastercard is part of Rawbank's broader commitment to climate action and forest protection. Last year, the bank sealed a $2 million deal to boost access to clean cooking solutions in a country where the charcoal trade is valued at nearly $4 billion. Rawbank also supported the development of carbon markets that indirectly finance sustainable development and directly contributed to pro-biodiversity tree-planting projects.

The announcement coincides with the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where President Tshisekedi is set to present his climate plan.

This article was initially published in French by Georges Auréole Bamba

Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho