Mastercard's latest white paper reveals that digital innovation offers transformative potential for financial inclusion of people with disabilities (PWDs) across the Middle East and Africa.
The report, "Bridging the Disability Gap: An Opportunity to Make a Positive Impact," identifies digital inclusion as critical to overcoming barriers preventing PWDs from accessing banking services. It notes that 15% of the global population, or one billion people, live with some form of disability, making them the world's largest minority group.
Umar Hashmi, Mastercard's Vice President of Global Product and Engineering, emphasized the company's commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, stating, "We believe in doing well by doing good... leaving no one behind." The study highlights systemic challenges including physical access limitations to financial institutions and digital literacy gaps.
Findings show 28% of banks in developed nations and 8-64% in emerging economies lack accessibility. The UAE's 2016 Disability Friendly Branch initiative by Emirates NBD demonstrates progress, featuring infrastructure upgrades and staff training in American Sign Language for 2,100 employees.
Mastercard's research underscores the need to address smartphone ownership disparities, with 62% of PWDs in the region owning mobile phones but only 21% possessing smartphones. Emerging technologies like AI and IoT present opportunities to create accessible financial services, the report concludes.
