Long-standing partners, Mastercard and Uber extend their partnership to boost payment digitization and advance financial inclusion across the Middle East and Africa

Long-standing partners, Mastercard and Uber extend their partnership to boost payment digitization and advance financial inclusion across the Middle East and Africa

Uber's long-term partnership with Mastercard continues to grow with a new strategic initiative focusing on digital payments and advancing financial inclusions which will be facilitated by Mastercard across the Middle East and Africa (MEA). As a regional first, the partnership with Mastercard will enable Uber to drive digitization across their business operations, leveraging Mastercard's single infrastructure to meet all types of payment needs for Uber Rides and Uber for Business. It is intended that the partnership will boost cashless payments, drive digital payment acceptance, reward loyalty, while supporting Uber's continued social impact collaboration. The Economy 2021 report released by Mastercard notes that the economic impact of COVID-19 has introduced permanent changes in digital consumer spending habits, growth of online banking, fintech disruption and opportunities to boost financial inclusion. Through the partnership, both companies can bridge the financial inclusion gap through a broad range of efforts. Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President Market Development, Mastercard, MEA explains: "Mastercard continues to partner with digital players across the value chain to build a more connected world. Enabling secure, immediate movement of money for individuals in the gig economy workers and customers is especially vital as we support economic recovery efforts. Through our growing partnership, we are enabling the company's