Visa and Vivo sign a partnership to provide digital payment services in 15 African countries

Global payment technology company, Visa, and Vivo Energy, the company that markets and distributes Shell-branded fuels and lubricants in Africa will provide digital payment services to consumers.

This is a partnership agreement signed between the two entities and it is projected to operate in 15 African countries where the two companies operate on the continent.

The aim of this agreement is to grow digital commerce and offering more Visa acceptance points in selected sites across Vivo Energy’s network of Shell-branded service stations and convenience shops in Africa.

A statement released today, November 27, by Vivo indicated that Vivo Energy and Visa share a common goal of helping consumers pay with confidence, transparency and security.

Adding that, through this alliance with Visa, Vivo wants to expand the range of services it offers to its customers and also allow them to pay in a simple and easy way at our Shell service stations.

The VISA President for Sub-Saharan Africa, Aida Diarra, adding his voice, said that Visa constantly strives to reduce reliance on cash, and encourage the development of a digital payments ecosystem for both individuals and businesses hence the recognition for the partnership.

“Our partnership with Vivo Energy aligns with the kind of collaborations we look for - those that will help extend our reach into Africa’s commerce ecosystem as it changes and grows, and that will provide mutually beneficial business opportunities”, he said.

He further explained that the new technology will offer consumers convenience, security and efficiency when they refuel, as well as when they purchase food, drinks, magazines or more in the shops and restaurants located in Shell stations.

Visa and Vivo are optimistic about the move as they project that it will spur the uptake of cashless payments in an environment where cash is still widely used by consumers and merchants.