Visa, Uber partnership offers new payment options for consumers

Boluwatife Ezekiel Olaleye
 

Uber and Visa have agreed to a multi-year strategic agreement that aims to grow digital commerce across Africa.

According to the companies, 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 debit and credit portfolios for e-commerce services.

“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,” a statement from Visa read.

In parallel, Uber and Visa will offer new and existing riders across Nigeria special deals when paying with their Visa card.

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The General Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa, Uber, Alon Lits, was quoted as saying, “Uber constantly works towards ensuring a seamless and convenient app experience, and offering seamless and frictionless payment options to riders is a big part of this.

“The Uber/Visa partnership will ensure that riders have more flexibility to pay in the way they are most comfortable, while enjoying free rides when they use their Visa card.”

He added, “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.”

The Group Country Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa, 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 that will help bring our cashless vision to life, and ensure that consumers have multiple payment options to best suit their everyday lives.

He added, “Our partnership with Uber is no different – African consumers want great customer experiences; whether face-to-face, online, or in app, they want to live their lives without barriers.”

“Uber and Visa are going to remove those barriers in Africa, making it easier and more convenient to pay for a ride, and help people get to where they want to be.”

Torre said that during the promotion period, new riders would 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,” he added.