Building a payment system in West Africa isn’t easy. Developers need APIs that are well-documented, reliable, and easy to integrate. Whether you’re creating an e-commerce store, a SaaS platform, or a mobile app, choosing the right payment processor can make or break your user experience.
Here are ten payment processors that prioritize developers in West Africa, with a focus on API flexibility, sandbox environments, and clear documentation.
1. Paystack
Paystack is one of the most developer-friendly payment platforms in Africa, with a clean API and great documentation. It supports various payment methods, including cards, mobile money, and bank transfers. The sandbox mode is easy to test, and their webhook system is well-structured, making it simple to handle real-time transaction updates.
2. Flutterwave
Flutterwave provides a powerful API that supports multiple payment options, including local and international cards, mobile wallets, and bank transfers. The platform is widely used across West Africa and comes with features like hosted checkout pages and no-code payment links. Developers appreciate the ease of setting up recurring payments and seamless integrations with platforms like Shopify.
3. Squad by GTCO
Squad is Guaranty Trust Bank’s answer to digital payments. It offers APIs for collecting payments via cards, bank transfers, and mobile money. The platform is designed with developers in mind and provides a fast way to integrate payments into websites and mobile apps, especially for businesses that want to settle funds directly into GTBank accounts.
4. DPO Group
DPO Group is widely used across Africa and offers a flexible API that supports multiple currencies and payment methods. While it’s not as popular as Paystack or Flutterwave, it’s a strong choice for businesses looking for a reliable international payment processor with regional coverage.
5. Korapay
Korapay is another solid choice with a developer-first approach. The API is well-documented and supports bank transfers and card payments. The onboarding process is straightforward, and the platform is gaining traction among fintech startups in Nigeria and beyond.
6. Modem Pay
Modem Pay is designed to give businesses and developers an easy way to accept payments across West Africa. It supports multiple payment methods, including cards, bank transfers, and mobile money, and offers a flexible API with a well-structured webhook system. Like Paystack, it provides payment links, a developer sandbox, and seamless integration options for both web and mobile apps. What sets it apart is its simplified onboarding process, allowing businesses to start accepting payments with minimal friction. It’s a strong alternative for those looking for a powerful but accessible payment solution.
7. FedaPay
FedaPay is a Benin-based payment processor with a strong focus on Francophone Africa. The API supports card payments and mobile money and is well-documented, making it a good option for developers working in French-speaking West African countries.
8. VoguePay
VoguePay has been around for a while and is known for supporting international transactions. The API is flexible and allows businesses to collect payments from customers globally, making it a good choice for companies that need cross-border payment solutions.
9. Monnify
Monnify is a Nigerian payment processor focused on bank transfers. It provides an API that enables businesses to generate unique virtual account numbers for customers, making payments seamless for users who prefer bank transfers over cards.
10. Ozow
Ozow is a rising payment platform that offers instant bank transfers and card payments. Its API is built for developers who want a straightforward solution for processing transactions across multiple channels.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a developer looking for a payment processor in West Africa, the best choice depends on your specific needs. If you need broad coverage and advanced features, Paystack and Flutterwave are the go-to options. If you want something equally powerful but easier to onboard and integrate, Modem Pay is a strong contender. For businesses focusing on bank transfers, Monnify and Squad offer great solutions. No matter which you choose, having a solid API and clear documentation will make your integration process much smoother.
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