The verdict in three sentences
An aggregator gives you one API for every wallet, a 3× faster go-live, but adds 0.3 to 0.8 % in fees per transaction. Direct integration preserves margin and control, at the cost of 4 to 6 weeks of development per operator plus ongoing maintenance. The switch pays off around NGN 12M to 22M in monthly volume per operator.
Structural comparison of the two approaches
| Criterion | Aggregator | Direct integration |
|---|---|---|
| Additional fees | +0.3 to 0.8 % | 0 % (raw operator rate) |
| Go-live time | 1 to 2 weeks | 4 to 6 weeks / operator |
| Wallets covered | All in one API | 1 per integration |
| Maintenance | Carried by aggregator | On you |
| Reconciliation | Single statement | One per operator |
| Control & margin | Lower | Maximum |
The aggregator is a speed and simplicity choice; direct is a margin and control choice that only makes sense at high volume.
Calculating the switch threshold
The aggregator surcharge scales with volume, while the direct cost is mostly fixed (development + maintenance). So you compare a variable cost to an amortized fixed cost.
| Monthly volume / operator | Aggregator surcharge (~0.5 %) | Amortized direct cost (dev + maint.) | Rational choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| NGN 3,000,000 | NGN 15,000 | ~NGN 220,000/month | Aggregator |
| NGN 8,000,000 | NGN 40,000 | ~NGN 220,000/month | Aggregator |
| NGN 15,000,000 | NGN 75,000 | ~NGN 180,000/month | Near threshold |
| NGN 30,000,000 | NGN 150,000 | ~NGN 180,000/month | Direct |
| NGN 60,000,000 | NGN 300,000 | ~NGN 190,000/month | Direct |
Assumption: direct integration amortized over 12 months (dev ~NGN 1.8M + maintenance ~NGN 60,000/month). Below NGN 12M to 22M/month, the aggregator stays cheaper once time and risk are priced in.
Mini case study
Chidi, a restaurateur in Lagos, is launching online ordering and hesitating. His starting volume is NGN 4,500,000/month. On an aggregator (0.5 %), the surcharge is NGN 22,500/month and he's live in 10 days. Direct would mean zero surcharge but 5 weeks of dev and ~NGN 180,000/month amortized — irrational at this stage. Decision: start on an aggregator, reassess at NGN 22M/month. If he hits that volume, going direct would save him about NGN 110,000/month, or NGN 1.3M/year.
FAQ
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Is the aggregator always more expensive?
On per-transaction fees yes (0.3 to 0.8 % more), but it removes development and maintenance cost. At low and mid volume it's cheaper overall.
When should I move to direct integration?
When per-operator volume durably exceeds NGN 12M to 22M/month: the aggregator's variable surcharge then overtakes the amortized fixed cost of direct.
Can I mix both?
Yes, it's common: direct on your dominant high-volume operator, aggregator for the long tail of secondary operators.
Is direct riskier?
It exposes you to API changes and operator outages with no intermediary. You need monitoring, robust webhooks and a team to maintain it.
How long to integrate one operator directly?
Expect 4 to 6 weeks per operator in 2026, including tests and confirmation webhooks, plus a buffer for certification.
Let's talk about your project. We quantify your switch threshold and integrate aggregator or direct based on your real volume. 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.
