Addis Ababa, Ethiopia//-Dashen Bank, a leading Ethiopian private bank, and ShebaMiles have launched a Platinum co-branded Mastercard debit card in Ethiopia, combining secure payments, digital access, loyalty benefits and premium travel privileges in one offering.
Issued by Dashen Bank and powered by Mastercard, the card is linked to Ethiopian Airlines’ ShebaMiles loyalty program. It enables customers to use one card for everyday and travel-related payments while accessing benefits including airport lounge access, airport fast track and global data roaming, in addition to the miles they earn in the air.
The collaboration combines Ethiopian Airlines’ travel network and loyalty program, Dashen Bank’s issuing capabilities, customer reach and Super App, and Mastercard’s global payment network, technology and premium card benefits.
Shehryar Ali, senior vice president and country manager for East Africa and Indian Ocean Islands at Mastercard, said: “Travel is increasingly becoming a connected digital experience, and consumers expect the same level of convenience, security and value from the way they pay.
This unique collaboration brings together payments, loyalty and premium travel benefits in a single proposition, creating a differentiated experience for travellers while strengthening Ethiopia’s premium travel payments ecosystem.”
The card will be available in physical and virtual formats. Customers can access the virtual card through the Dashen Bank Super App, which serves more than 2 million active monthly users. Eligible cardholders will also have access to Mastercard Airport Experiences, which provides entry to a global network of more than 1,600 airport lounges.
Ato Asfaw Alemu, CEO of Dashen Bank, said: “Customers today increasingly expect financial services to be more connected, convenient and relevant to the way they live and travel.
Our collaboration with Mastercard and Ethiopian Airlines brings together payments, travel and loyalty in a differentiated proposition, while giving customers the flexibility to access their card digitally through the Dashen Bank Super App or through a physical card.
This initiative reflects our commitment to delivering innovative, premium financial solutions that enhance the customer experience and create greater value for our customers.”
Ethiopian Airlines serves more destinations within Africa than any other airline. Connecting ShebaMiles with everyday payments and lifestyle benefits creates more opportunities for customers to engage with the airline beyond the flight and is designed to deliver ongoing value for frequent travellers, premium and diaspora customers, and digitally active consumers. It also gives Dashen Bank a differentiated offering for travel-focused customers.
The launch builds on the strategic collaboration between Mastercard and Dashen Bank, including a strategic investment agreement supporting the program’s rollout.
Together, Dashen Bank and ShebaMiles are creating a digitally led payment experience that connects travel, loyalty and financial services in Ethiopia, giving customers greater choice, convenience and value throughout their journey.
