Dashhen Bank, Ethiopian Airlines through its ShebaMiles loyalty program, and global technology giant Mastercard have officially launched a premier co-branded Platinum Mastercard in Ethiopia. This strategic financial product is tailored specifically to provide frequent flyers, business professionals, and international travelers with an elite suite of secure digital payment capabilities, seamless banking services, and high-value travel rewards, marking a significant milestone in the country’s financial services and aviation sectors.
The newly unveiled payment card seamlessly integrates Mastercard’s robust global transaction network with Dashhen Bank’s extensive domestic digital infrastructure and Ethiopian Airlines’ world-renowned frequent flyer ecosystem. By bridging traditional banking with advanced payment technology, the card enables customers to conduct secure domestic and international transactions while automatically syncing with their existing ShebaMiles accounts to consolidate financial management and loyalty tracking into a single unified platform.
Beyond standard transactional utility, cardholders can accumulate valuable ShebaMiles points not only through flight bookings across Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive global route network but also through everyday consumer spending, retail purchases, and hospitality transactions. To further elevate the travel experience, the Platinum card grants exclusive access to a range of premium lifestyle benefits, including complimentary VIP airport lounge access, expedited airport fast-track services, and international data roaming packages designed to keep modern global citizens connected seamlessly.
Industry analysts and market observers note that this tripartite collaboration unites three dominant pillars of East African commerce—banking, aviation, and financial technology—to address the rising consumer demand for integrated, lifestyle-driven financial solutions. By leveraging Ethiopian Airlines’ comprehensive continental reach, Dashhen Bank’s deep local market penetration, and Mastercard’s cutting-edge security frameworks, the initiative aims to foster a more inclusive, digitized, and globally competitive payment ecosystem within the region.
During the official launch ceremony in Addis Ababa, key corporate leaders underscored the long-term economic impact of the partnership. Dashhen Bank Chief Executive Officer Asfaw Alemu emphasized that the card successfully aligns modern banking with evolving travel lifestyles, while Mastercard East Africa Country Manager Shehryar Ali highlighted how the alliance will transform regional payment norms. Moving forward, the partners expect the card to deliver sustained economic value to a diverse demographic, ranging from corporate commuters to the broader diaspora community.