Masria Digital Payments (MDP) has made history as the first card issuer in Egypt to be certified under Mastercard’s Sustainable Card Programme. A regional first in sustainable finance, MDP has earned certification from Mastercard for its recycled PVC card products, positioning Egypt at the forefront of green innovation in banking.
Recognition Highlights MDP’s Green Payment Solutions
MDP has joined a select group of issuers recognised by Mastercard for advancing environmentally responsible payment solutions. The certification acknowledges MDP’s use of recycled PVC and its rollout of a Carbon Calculator that helps consumers measure their environmental impact. “MDP is setting the standard for a greener Africa…,” said CEO Ahmed Nafie.
Setting a Regional Benchmark
The certification places MDP among a growing list of global financial institutions integrating sustainability into their operations. It’s a first for Egypt, establishing a precedent for card issuers in North Africa and beyond.
“MDP’s attainment of the Card Eco Certification mark reflects its commitment as a card issuer to the use of more sustainable materials in card manufacturing,” Mastercard stated.
According to Mastercard, more than 3 billion plastic payment cards are produced globally each year. MDP’s move to rPVC card bodies offers a lower-impact alternative that addresses growing concerns about plastic waste, particularly in emerging markets.
“Our commitment to providing more sustainable card options, made entirely from recycled plastic, is a testament to this effort,” MDP said in a statement.
Carbon Calculator Promotes Informed Choices
MDP has introduced a Carbon Calculator, a digital tool that estimates a user’s carbon emissions based on their spending habits in addition to its sustainable card materials. The feature is designed to promote more environmentally conscious consumer behaviour by linking financial decisions with sustainability goals.
“The Carbon Calculator empowers users by providing an estimate of their carbon emissions, enabling them to make more informed purchasing decisions,” the company said.
Supporting Egypt’s Vision 2030
The initiative aligns with Egypt’s Sustainable Development Strategy – Vision 2030, which emphasises environmental sustainability across sectors. MDP supports the country’s ambition to integrate sustainable practices into the economy.
“The launch of MDP’s certified recycled PVC cards and the Carbon Calculator programme aligns with Egypt’s Sustainable Development Strategy – Vision 2030,” the company noted.
Conclusion
MDP is influencing the trajectory of sustainable finance across Africa with its environmentally focused initiatives. MDP’s certified efforts — including low-impact card production and consumer-facing tools like its Carbon Calculator — position the company at the forefront of regional financial transformation.“We are dedicated to protecting our planet…,” said Nafie.