Emma Okonji
Uber and Visa have announced a multi-year strategic agreement that aims to grow digital commerce across Africa. The partnership leverages both technology platforms to encourage the use of electronic payments among consumers across the continent.
Under the agreement, Visa will work with its financial institution partners to set up their debit and credit portfolios for eCommerce. This will enable faster adoption of digital payments in the region, new revenue streams for banks and merchants, and create the platform for market leading digital companies like Uber to offer great app-based commercial experiences to more customers.
In parallel, Uber and Visa will offer new and existing riders across Nigeria special deals when paying with their Visa card. Uber constantly works towards ensuring a seamless and convenient app experience, and offering seamless and frictionless payment options to riders (1) is a big part of this. The Uber/Visa partnership will ensure riders have more flexibility to pay in the way they are most comfortable, while enjoying free rides when they use their Visa card.
General Manager for Uber sub-Saharan Africa, Alon Lits, said: “Ensuring riders have access to simple and convenient payment options is crucial, which is why our partnership with Visa, makes a whole lot of sense. It’s a win-win for both riders, who have flexible payment options and will accumulate free rides, but also for driver-partners as this will increase demand which results in more trips.â€
Group Country Manager, sub-Saharan Africa for Visa, Andrew Torre, said; “Visa’s purpose is to be the best way to pay and be paid, for everyone, everywhere. Everything we do as an organisation aims to live up to this promise. Visa is always looking to align with like-minded brands, who will help bring our cashless vision to life, and ensure that consumers have multiple payment options to best suit their everyday lives.”
During the promotion period, new riders will get discounts off their first two rides. Existing riders who choose to pay with Visa will get a complimentary trip every sixth ride. All riders need to do is link their Visa card in the payment option of their Uber app before they initiate their trip.
