Top Payment Gateways in Africa: The Ultimate Guide

Africa’s digital economy is booming, and online transactions are at the heart of this transformation. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, eCommerce business, or fintech startup, choosing the right payment gateway is crucial for seamless transactions across the continent.

This guide explores the top payment gateways in Africa, their features, pricing, and how they compare. We’ll also cover future trends and insights to help you make an informed decision.

What is a Payment Gateway?

A payment gateway is a technology that facilitates online transactions by securely processing payments from customers to businesses. In Africa, where mobile money adoption is high, payment gateways integrate with platforms like MPESA, MTN Mobile Money, and Airtel Money, alongside traditional bank payments and card options like Visa and Mastercard.

Top Payment Gateways in Africa (2025 Edition)

Below is a curated list of the best payment gateways in Africa, categorized by coverage, features, and suitability for different business needs.

1. Elemipay (Africa-wide, Gaming & Forex Focused)

Supported Countries: Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

• Key Features: API integration for gaming, gambling, betting, and forex companies. Supports mobile money, online banking, and cards. Offers real-time settlement, multi-currency transactions, and high-risk industry compliance.

• Security: PCI-DSS compliant, AI-powered fraud prevention, and encryption for secure transactions.

• Fees: 1.5%-6% per collection (varies by country and volume) + flat fee per payout.

• Settlement Time: Weekly settlements to global bank accounts or USDT wallets.

• Best for: Businesses operating in high-risk industries, requiring fast, compliant, and secure transactions with cross-border capabilities.

• Integration Options: REST API, Dashboard, Payment Links, White Label Solutions.

2. Flutterwave

• Supported Countries: Over 30 African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana.

• Key Features: Card payments, mobile money, bank transfers, PayPal integration, and a payment link feature.

• Security: PCI-DSS compliance, fraud detection tools, and strong encryption.

• Fees: Varies by country (typically 1.4%-3.8% per transaction).

• Settlement Time: Instant to 48 hours depending on the payment method.

• Best for: eCommerce businesses, freelancers, and global merchants looking for a reliable multi-country payment processor.

3. Paystack (Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya)

• Acquired by Stripe, making it one of the most robust fintech solutions in Africa.

• Key Features: Easy integration, recurring billing, fraud protection, multiple payment channels.

• Security: High-level fraud detection system and compliance with global financial regulations.

• Fees: 1.5% + ₦100 for local payments, 3.9% for international transactions.

• Settlement Time: Instant to 24 hours for local transactions.

• Best for: Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and subscription-based businesses.

4. DPO Group (DPO Pay) (East & Southern Africa)

• Supported Countries: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa, and more.

• Key Features: Multi-currency support, seamless integration with mobile money and cards.

• Security: Advanced fraud monitoring and encryption protocols.

• Best for: Travel, hospitality, and marketplaces.

5. CinetPay (Francophone Africa)

• Supported Countries: Ivory Coast, Senegal, Cameroon, and over 10 Francophone countries.

• Key Features: Mobile money payments, bank transfers, API integration.

• Security: Encrypted transactions and strong KYC verification.

• Best for: Businesses targeting French-speaking African markets.

6. Ozow (South Africa)

• Key Features: Instant EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer), no need for cards.

• Security: Bank-grade security features.

• Best for: South African businesses needing quick, low-cost online payments.

7. PesaPal (East Africa)

• Supported Countries: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania.

• Key Features: MPESA, Airtel Money, Visa/Mastercard, API integration.

• Security: PCI-DSS compliance and encrypted transactions.

• Best for: SMEs and eCommerce businesses in East Africa.

Comparing Payment Gateways: Which One is Right for You?

Payment Gateway	Countries Covered	Fees	Settlement Time	Best for
Elemipay	Africa-wide	1.5%-6%	Weekly	Gaming, forex, high-risk industries
Flutterwave	30+	1.4%-3.8%	Instant-48h	Large businesses, global merchants
Paystack	4+	1.5%-3.9%	Instant-24h	Startups, recurring payments
DPO Pay	6+	Varies	Varies	Hospitality, travel
CinetPay	10+	Varies	Varies	Francophone Africa
Ozow	South Africa	Low fees	Instant	Instant EFT payments
PesaPal	3+	Varies	Varies	eCommerce, SMEs

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Payment Gateway

Before selecting a payment gateway, consider the following:

• Supported Countries: Ensure the gateway operates in your target market.

• Payment Methods: Mobile money, cards, bank transfers—what do your customers prefer?

• Transaction Fees: Compare pricing to maximize profitability.

• Integration Ease: APIs, plugins for WooCommerce, Shopify, or custom integrations.

• Security & Compliance: PCI-DSS compliance, fraud protection, and KYC requirements.

The Future of Payment Gateways in Africa

The African fintech landscape is evolving rapidly, with innovations in:

• Cryptocurrency & Blockchain Payments – More gateways integrating crypto solutions.

• AI-powered Fraud Prevention – Machine learning tools to reduce fraud.

• Expansion of Mobile Money – Deeper integration with everyday transactions.

• CBDCs (Central Bank Digital Currencies) – How governments will influence digital payments.

Final Thoughts

The right payment gateway depends on your business model, target customers, and preferred payment methods. For businesses operating across Africa, solutions like Elemipay, Flutterwave, and Paystack offer great versatility, while CinetPay and PesaPal serve niche markets.

Need a reliable payment gateway for your business? Explore Elemipay for seamless, multi-country transactions tailored for African businesses. Book a Consultation today!

This updated version places Elemipay first and adds more details to each gateway’s features, security, and settlement times to provide a deeper analysis. Let me know if you’d like further refinements!