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Mastercard has prioritized resilience, digital innovation, and inclusive financial solutions—partnering with government bodies and launching vital initiatives to support the economy, empower SMEs, and ensure continued access to services, while adapting to evolving challenges with flexibility and purpose.

Across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EEMEA), women are redefining the business landscape. Mastercard’s latest research reveals a powerful trend: 78% of women in the region aspire to start their own businesses. This growing entrepreneurial spirit signals a significant shift, one that has the potential to drive economic development, innovation, and financial inclusion.

At Mastercard, we believe in empowering every business - whether it’s a tech-driven startup in Saudi Arabia, a small retailer in Egypt, or an export-focused SME in Kazakhstan. Through strategic partnerships with fintech companies, governments, and banks, we are ensuring that SMEs have access to cutting-edge digital payment solutions, real-time insights, and credit opportunities.

Over the past two decades, we at Mastercard have been actively involved in introducing cutting-edge digital payment solutions to the Egyptian market in line with the government’s vision for a financially inclusive future.

Mastercard is making the settlement of real-time card payments a reality, starting in South Africa, freeing up capital for businesses and giving people more transparency and control over their money.

STEM fields are among the fastest-growing career sectors of today. However, women representation in these areas remains relatively low. Our global research at Mastercard reveals that girls tend to lose interest in STEM between the ages of 9 and 13, leading to a significant drop in their involvement in these subjects. Additionally, women still hold only 33% of technology roles.