Uber accepting cash payments is a big boost in SA, Nigeria and Kenya

Uber’s GM for Sub-Saharan Africa, Alon Lits, said accepting cash has given its African operations a big boost.

Uber switched on its cash payment option in South Africa in May 2016, following trials in Nigeria and Kenya.

Up to May, Uber had only accepted credit card payments in South Africa.

Lits told Business Day TV that while global Uber expertise is important to them, the local teams are what make the user experience exceptional.

“These local teams are listening to our customers – riders and customers – and are implementing the feedback into the business,” said Lits.

He said Uber cash payments is a good example. “Cash has really transformed the business in South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria,” he said.

“It made the service more accessible to more people and removed the barrier to entry which was created by the need for a credit card.”