Little App has unveiled a partnership with Absa Bank Kenya and Visa that allows customers to tap their debit or credit cards on a driver’s Android phone or tablet to make a payment.

The Near Field Communication (NFC) contactless card payment for taxi drivers seeks to expedite the payment process on Little App taxis to save time for drivers and customers.

The solution leverages Absa’s Mobi Tap app, which turns a smartphone into a point of sale (POS) allowing customers to tap their contactless debit or credit cards on the driver’s Android phone or tablet to make a payment.

Kamal Budhabatti, CEO at Little App lauded the partnership saying its part of efforts by the ride hailing service company to improve the taxi ride experience for drivers and customers.

“The introduction of the NFC payment feature reinforces our commitment to revolutionize convenience and efficiency within the ride-hailing industry,” said Budhabatti.

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He added: “By incorporating Visa's renowned expertise and Absa's local insights, we are confident that this partnership will greatly enhance our users' payment experience."

Follow these steps to use the new NFC payment feature:

1. Once the driver has entered the transaction amount, place your contactless card directly under the driver's phone, holding it briefly for a successful connection.

2. Once you have completed the payment, wait for the confirmation, which will be displayed on your Little App.

3. Confirm the successful payment with the driver.

Elizabeth Wasunna. PHOTO/COURTESY

Absa Bank Kenya Business Banking Director Elizabeth Wasunna-Ochwa says the feature incorporates state-of-the-art security measures to ensure safe and reliable payments.

She said the move is part of Absa’s pledge to create partnerships that make doing business easier, faster and safer for its customers, especially Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

On her part, Visa Kenya Country Manager Eva Ngigi-Sarwari said the deal with Absa and Little is part of Visa’s pledge to enable SMEs to embrace fast and secure digital payments.

Eva Ngigi - Sarwari. PHOTO/VISA

“Through this collaboration, any Little App driver can start accepting card payments on their NFC enabled smartphone without the need to purchase a separate POS machine,” said Ngigi.

She added: “We look forward to enabling all the drivers in the Little App ecosystem as we continue to expand access to digital payment options.”

Little App operates in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Somalia, Senegal, Ghana, and India and offers customers ride-hailing service, mobility, delivery, as well as payment solutions.