Kinshasa, DRC, January 21, 2025 – Rawbank, a bank in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has become the first bank in the country to offer the Mastercard Carbon Calculator through its online banking platform, Rawbank Online. This initiative aims to help customers make informed and conscious consumption choices, thereby reinforcing Rawbank’s commitment to sustainable development and innovation.
Developed by Mastercard in collaboration with Doconomy and powered by the Åland Index, the Carbon Calculator provides users with an easy-to-understand estimate of the CO2 emissions generated by their transactions.
Mustafa Rawji, CEO of Rawbank, stated: “We are building a banking model that goes beyond financial services, taking concrete actions for the future of our environment and communities. The Carbon Calculator allows clients to actively contribute to an ecological approach, aligning their financial habits with environmental preservation. This initiative reflects our commitment to having a positive and lasting impact on the DRC.”
Mohamed Benomar, Mastercard Country Manager for North-West Africa, said: “Mastercard’s collaboration with Rawbank marks an important step toward building a sustainable future. Through the Carbon Calculator, we provide users in the DRC with valuable insights into the environmental impact of their purchases, encouraging more responsible consumption habits. Together, we are empowering them to make informed financial choices that contribute to a more sustainable world.”
This collaboration supports Mastercard’s global commitment to sustainable development, particularly its Priceless Planet Coalition, which aims to restore 100 million trees worldwide in an effort to combat climate change and achieve net zero emissions by 2040.
This initiative reflects Rawbank’s commitment to sustainable finance in the DRC, while promoting environmental awareness. By integrating the Mastercard Carbon Calculator, Rawbank aims to encourage responsible consumption habits and actively contribute to efforts toward a
low-carbon economy.
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 foundation for a greener future for the DRC. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, 60% of the Congo Basin rainforest is located in the DRC, highlighting the country’s key role in mitigating global carbon emissions. Initiatives like this are essential as they create a link between financial services and environmental awareness, encouraging broader participation in sustainable practices.
About RAWBANK
For 23 years, with total assets of 5 billion dollars, Rawbank has supported the development of the Congolese economy. The leading bank in the DRC for 12 years, Rawbank offers the most modern products and services to its 500,000+ Corporate, SME, and Individual clients through a network of more than 100 branches in 19 provinces across the country, along with a digital offering including Illicocash, online banking, and over 250 ATMs.
Its efforts have been recognized by the African Bankers Award in 2022 and 2024 for Best Regional Bank in Central Africa, a Moody’s rating of CAA1, and ISO/IEC 20000 and ISO/IEC 27001 certifications. Rawbank’s trusted partners include: IFC, AfDB, TDB, BADEA, Shelter Africa, AGF, among others.
Trusted partners of RAWBANK include AfDB, AGF, IFC, BADEA, Shelter Africa, TDB, and Afrexim. For more information, visit our website: www.rawbank.com
About Mastercard
Mastercard powers economies and empowers consumers in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. In collaboration with our clients, we are building a sustainable economy where everyone can thrive. We support a wide range of digital payment solutions, making transactions safe, simple, smart, and accessible. Our cutting-edge technologies, innovations, partnerships, and networks come together to offer a unique set of products and services that help cardholders, businesses, and governments reach their full potential.