Uganda: Vivo Energy Customers Pay for Fuel Using Phones

Vivo Energy customers can now pay for fuel using their phones, thanks to a partnership with telecom giant, MTN.

Vivo, operating the Shell service stations, will also turn the stations into 'cash-in' and 'cash-out' points for MTN mobile money. The partnership will initially start with 52 Shell service stations in Kampala and surrounding areas and spread across the country gradually.

A customer will ask pump attendant to guide them through the steps to complete the transaction. There will be no special charges for the transaction, according Vivo Energy officials.

Managing director Hans Paulsen said: "We are looking for ways to add convenience for our customers. We are confident that, together with MTN, we shall remain at the forefront of the industry and offer customers a convenient payment tool at our service stations."

MTN chief executive officer Brian Gouldie said: "Our partnership with Vivo Energy offers us the opportunity to extend our proposition for motorists at Shell service stations who also have direct access to our growing network of agents."

Vivo Energy currently operates 120 Shell-branded service stations in Uganda. MTN has over 10 million subscribers, with 7.3 million being registered mobile money users.

The mobile money platform has grown tremendously with transactions valued at Shs 24tn made through the platform last year.

SOURCE:THE OBSERVER