The verdict in three sentences
In Kampala, MTN/Airtel agents manage their float on a commission of about 0.3 to 0.8 %, while the customer pays 1 to 3.5 % on cash-out. In Bamako, cash-in is often free on Orange Money Mali, but cash-out costs 1 to 4 % in tiers and transfers 1 to 2 %. Understanding the tiers avoids overpaying: splitting or grouping a withdrawal changes the real cost.
Cash-out fee grid, Bamako reference 2026
Cash-out follows a tiered grid: the higher the amount, the higher the absolute fee, but the effective rate can fall. Values = 2026 order of magnitude, verify in branch.
| Amount withdrawn (FCFA) | Indicative fee (FCFA) | Effective rate |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000 | 200 | 4.0 % |
| 10,000 | 300 | 3.0 % |
| 25,000 | 500 | 2.0 % |
| 50,000 | 750 | 1.5 % |
| 100,000 | 1,500 | 1.5 % |
| 200,000 | 2,500 | 1.25 % |
Deposits stay generally free, which encourages keeping money in mobile money and withdrawing only what is needed.
Agent float and margin: Kampala vs Bamako
The agent earns on commission-of-commission: the operator shares part of the fee paid by the customer. The binding constraint is the float (available cash and e-money liquidity).
| Parameter | Kampala (MTN/Airtel) | Bamako (OM Mali) |
|---|---|---|
| Customer cash-in | Often free | Often free |
| Customer cash-out | 1-3.5 % | 1-4 % |
| Agent commission | 0.3-0.8 % | ~0.4-0.8 % |
| Transfer | 1-2.5 % | 1-2 % |
| Main constraint | E-money float | Cash float |
| Rebalancing | Super-dealer | Super-agent |
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Mini case study
Sarah runs an agent point in Kampala handling 50 withdrawals/day averaging UGX 70,000. The customer pays a cash-out fee, and the operator pays Sarah a commission of about 0.6 %, i.e. 70,000 × 0.6 % = UGX 420 per operation. Over 50 withdrawals she earns 50 × 420 = UGX 21,000/day, roughly UGX 630,000/month before float and cash-transport costs.
FAQ
Is depositing free in Kampala? Yes, cash-in is generally free in 2026 on MTN/Airtel. It is the cash-out that is charged, 1 to 3.5 % depending on amount.
Why does the rate fall on larger amounts? The tiered grid raises the absolute fee more slowly than the amount, so a large single withdrawal carries a lower effective rate than several small ones.
How much does an agent earn per withdrawal? The 2026 order of magnitude is 0.3 to 0.8 % of the amount, paid by the operator; on UGX 70,000 that is roughly UGX 210-560.
What is float? It is the agent's liquidity: cash to pay withdrawals and e-money balance to take deposits. A poorly balanced float halts operations.
How do I pay less on cash-out? Group your withdrawals for a better effective rate, and prefer paying directly in mobile money whenever possible to avoid cash-out altogether.
Let's talk about your project. We equip your agent network with float tracking and real-time commission reporting. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
