Today In Payments: Mastercard Invests $100 Million In Airtel Africa; DoorDash-Olo Suit Highlights Delivery Economics

In today’s top news, Airtel Africa is valued at $2.65 billion after closing a $100 million deal with Mastercard, and DoorDash is suing business partner Olo for allegedly years of overcharging. Plus, SPAC deals hit a record $1.3 billion in the first quarter of 2021.

Airtel Africa Gets $100 Million Boost From Mastercard

Momentum is gaining for movement of money through mobile means across the globe. Against that backdrop, Africa stands out, as evidenced by the recent investment Mastercard said it would make in Airtel Africa.

DoorDash-Olo Lawsuit Draws Attention To Restaurant Delivery Economics

Restaurant aggregator and delivery service DoorDash is suing digital ordering solutions provider Olo for allegedly overcharging the company by millions of dollars over several years. The legal battle is being waged amid a larger conversation in the restaurant industry over how to make the economics of delivery work.

SPAC Boom Hits $1.3 Billion for Q1

Global mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have seen their strongest developments in four decades in the first quarter of this year, boosted by the continued surge in special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs). There were around $1.3 trillion in deals agreed to in the first three months of 2021.

Major Players May Have To Wait Years For CBDCs

China is reportedly close to issuing its version of the digital yuan. The U.S. and Europe, by way of contrast, are eyeing exploration and launch timeframes that will span years. Might CBDCs be purely domestic initiatives through the middle of the decade and beyond — limiting the interoperability that would truly etch CBDCs’ place in the global economic landscape?

Wag! Recruits Pet-Friendly Freelancers With Instant Payouts

Rising pet adoptions have led to a growing demand for gig workers who provide services for new furry friends. But finding the right help now hinges on being able to pay freelancers via mobile and in real time. In the latest Disbursements Tracker, David Cane, vice president of customer success, trust and safety for pet care platform Wag discusses the growing importance of instant access to daily earnings and how that helps build trust.

UK Merchants Reckon With Post-Pandemic Contactless Retail Reality

The U.K. has seen its own rise of the digital-first economy. But as Cybersource Director of Integrated Commerce of EMEA Lee Tango and PYMNTS’ Karen Webster discussed recently, the question retailers must wrestle with is how to build an experience that speaks to all consumers, regardless of chosen channel.

States Pursue Online Gambling in Bid to Restore Tax Coffers Hit by Pandemic

States are pursuing new revenue streams to offset tax coffers hit hard by the pandemic as business close and employees are laid off. Online gaming — especially gambling — beckons.