The National Bank of Egypt (NBE), in collaboration with Mastercard, has launched the Touch Card, a groundbreaking payment solution designed to assist visually impaired customers. The launch event was attended by Dr. Maya Morsy, Egyptian Minister of Social Solidarity, Hisham Okasha, Executive Chairman of NBE, Dalia El Baz, Vice Chairman of NBE, Adam Jones, Division President for Western Arabia at Mastercard, Inji Borai, Vice President and Country Manager at Mastercard Egypt, Karim Sous, Retail Chief Executive Officer of NBE, and representatives of Nour Al-Baseera Association.
In her speech, Dr. Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity, expressed her deep pride in the launch of the Touch Card, an important initiative aimed at advancing financial inclusion for visually impaired people in line with national policies. Dr. Morsy praised the collective efforts that led to the development of this unique card, stressing that the National Bank of Egypt has set a local precedent by launching such an innovative solution. She also underlined the Ministry’s commitment to accessibility, mentioning the provision of sign language interpreters in 13 public universities, the Ministry’s significant support to approximately 1.2 million people with disabilities through the “Karama” program, and the issuance of 1.3 million integrated service cards to further assist them.
Hisham Okasha, Executive Chairman of the National Bank of Egypt, explained that this unique card represents Egypt’s first innovative payment solution for the visually impaired and partially sighted. The Touch Card has been carefully designed to integrate seamlessly with existing point-of-sale terminals and ATMs, ensuring wide accessibility. He stressed that the launch is an important milestone in the long-standing partnership with Mastercard and builds on both parties’ shared vision to deliver innovative, tailored financial solutions and drive financial inclusion.
In his speech, Okasha also pointed out that the National Bank of Egypt was the first bank in Egypt to launch a payment card in 1994, transforming the payments and banking landscape. He also stated that the NBE’s strategy reflects its understanding of market dynamics and its continued commitment to developing relevant products and services that meet customers’ evolving needs.
To improve access to financial services, the NBE has hired 100 visually impaired employees and trained 400 employees in sign language in 230 branches. The bank has also introduced Braille banking models in 60 branches, operates 1,288 ATMs specially designed for visually impaired users, 34 ATMs for people with reduced mobility and 28 mobile ATMs equipped with special elevators. It also offers 60 financing programs for people with disabilities under the “Hemma” program.
Dalia El Baz, Vice-Chair of the NBE, added that the Touch Card’s unique design features distinctive notches on the side, with debit cards having a round notch and prepaid cards having a triangular notch. This allows users to easily identify and distinguish their cards, allowing them to conveniently integrate into the digital economy. She stressed that this partnership demonstrates the commitment of both parties to expand accessibility, drive financial inclusion and build digitally inclusive communities.
“We are incredibly proud of this achievement and are confident that the Touch Card will make a lasting difference to the lives of visually impaired people in Egypt by enabling them to manage their finances more easily and confidently. This initiative is in line with Mastercard’s global vision of a world where everyone has the tools and resources they need to succeed in the digital age.” said Adam Jones, Division President Western Arabia at Mastercard
Karim Soos, Chief Executive Officer for Retail at the National Bank of Egyptt stated that this initiative is in line with NBE’s growing recognition of the importance of financial inclusion for people with disabilities. The Touch Card will empower these people to confidently manage their finances and fully participate in the digital economy.
Inji Borai, Vice President and Country Manager for Egypt at Mastercard, shares this opinion and said: “At Mastercard, we believe that financial inclusion and accessibility are fundamental rights. We are committed to using innovation to connect everyone to the digital economy and ensure no one is left behind. The Touch Card is a testament to our ongoing efforts to positively impact people’s lives by enabling financial security, inclusion and independence.”
A recent Mastercard study, “Bridging the Disability Gap: An Opportunity to Make a Positive Impact,” found that digital inclusion is the path to financial inclusion for people with disabilities, demonstrating that there is a clear opportunity for the industry to work together to positively impact the lives of millions of people around the world.
Mastercard’s concept has been reviewed and recommended by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) in the UK and VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired in the US. The card was co-developed by IDEMIA, the world leader in augmented identity, offering trusted solutions in both physical and digital spaces.
