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Accept payments for your business in Africa

Collect and make payments from 14 African countries. Mobile money, Credit/ Debit cards and online banking channels accepted

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What to Consider When Choosing a Payment Gateway for Your Business in Africa

Selecting the right payment gateway is crucial for businesses in Africa. With different payment preferences, regulations, and infrastructure across the continent, you need a solution that ensures smooth transactions, security, and affordability. A well-chosen payment gateway can help businesses expand across borders, offer flexible payment methods, and improve customer satisfaction. Additionally, the right gateway reduces transaction failures, minimizes fraud, and optimizes cash flow management. Given Africa's fast-growing digital economy, businesses must carefully assess their options to avoid costly inefficiencies and security risks.


Here are key factors to consider when choosing a payment gateway for your business.



1. Coverage & Supported Countries

A good payment gateway should support the countries where your customers are located. Since African businesses often operate across borders, check whether the provider offers regional coverage, including mobile money (MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Money, MPESA), online banking, and card payments.


2. Supported Payment Methods

Customers in Africa use various payment methods. Businesses nowadays operate across borders, and the more options available, the better for your business. As a minimum, ensure the gateway supports:

  • Mobile Money – Popular in East and West Africa (e.g., MPESA, MTN, Airtel Money)

  • Bank Transfers – Essential in Nigeria and South Africa

  • Card Payments – Visa, Mastercard, and local debit cards

  • USSD Payments – Important for users without internet access

  • Cryptocurrency or USDT – Useful for international transactions


3. Transaction Fees & Costs

Different payment gateways charge varying fees, including:

  • Transaction fees – A percentage of the amount processed

  • Withdrawal/settlement fees – The cost of moving funds to a bank or mobile wallet

  • Setup & maintenance fees – One-time or recurring charges for using the gateway

  • Payout fees – Costs associated with sending money to suppliers or partners

Different payment gateways charge differently based on the value they provide and the country you are processing from. Before you choose a gateway, understand the full extent of all the fees involved to avoid unexpected costs.


4. Ease of Integration

Your payment gateway should be easy to integrate with your website, mobile app, or point-of-sale system. Look for:

  • API availability – A well-documented API for developers

  • Plugins & SDKs – Support for platforms like WooCommerce, Shopify, or custom web applications

  • No-code solutions – Payment links and hosted checkout pages for non-developers


 

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5. Payout Options & Settlement Speed

How quickly you receive your money matters. Some gateways settle funds within 24 hours, while others take days. Ensure the payment gateway supports:

  • Fast settlements – Weekly or daily payouts to bank accounts or mobile wallets

  • Flexible withdrawal methods – Bank transfer, mobile money, or USDT for international businesses


6. Security & Compliance

Security is a top concern for online payments. Choose a provider with:

  • PCI DSS certification – Industry-standard security for card transactions

  • Fraud prevention tools – Features like 3D Secure, OTP verification, and risk monitoring

  • Regulatory compliance – Adherence to local financial laws in your operating countries


7. Customer Support & Reliability

A reliable payment gateway should offer strong customer support. Look for:

  • Support – Assistance via phone, email, or live chat

  • High uptime guarantee – Ensure minimal transaction failures

  • Easy dispute resolution – A process for handling failed transactions or chargebacks


8. Scalability & Future Growth

As your business grows, your payment gateway should scale with you. Check if it supports:

  • Multi-currency payments – To cater to international customers

  • High transaction volumes – Ensure it can handle peak sales periods

  • Additional services – Features like recurring payments and invoicing


9. Chargeback & Dispute Resolution

Disputes and chargebacks can be costly. Your payment provider should have:

  • Clear refund policies – Easy process for customers to get refunds when necessary

  • Fraud protection measures – To minimize chargebacks and unauthorized transactions

  • Dispute resolution support – Help in resolving transaction issues quickly


Conclusion

Choosing the right payment gateway for your business in Africa requires careful evaluation of coverage, payment methods, fees, security, and customer support. By selecting a gateway that aligns with your business needs, you can ensure seamless transactions and a better customer experience.

Would you like to integrate a reliable payment solution? Consider ElemiTech, a secure and efficient gateway designed for businesses operating across Africa. Book a consultation today to find out how it can work for you!

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