The verdict in three sentences
In Congo, Airtel Money and MTN MoMo let you collect online payments without a bank card, which unlocks e-commerce in Brazzaville. Development sits between 1,200,000 and 4,000,000 FCFA depending on tier, with merchant fees of 1.7 to 2 % per transaction. Local logistics deliver in 24 to 48 hours within Brazzaville, for hosting of around 30,000 FCFA/month.
Price grid by tier (Brazzaville, 2026)
2026 order of magnitude for the Congolese market. The dual Airtel Money + MTN MoMo collection is integrated from the Starter to cover both subscriber bases.
| Tier | Dev price (FCFA) | Catalog | Payments | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | 1,200,000 - 1,600,000 | up to 50 products | Airtel Money + MTN MoMo | 4-6 weeks |
| Growth | 2,200,000 - 3,200,000 | unlimited | + Stripe cards | 6-9 weeks |
| Premium | 4,000,000 | unlimited + PWA | all + multi-currency | 9-12 weeks |
The Starter lets you test urban demand. Growth adds customer reviews, promotions and stock management. Premium targets retailers wanting an app and an optimized funnel for a higher urban average basket.
Congolese payments and logistics
Without widespread bank cards, mobile money is the heart of checkout. Here are the 2026 parameters to integrate.
| Parameter | Airtel Money | MTN MoMo |
|---|---|---|
| Merchant fee | ~1.7 % | ~2 % |
| Transaction cap | 2,000,000 FCFA | 2,000,000 FCFA |
| Confirmation | webhook + USSD | webhook + USSD |
| Intra-city delivery | 24-48 h | 24-48 h |
Local logistics strategy relies on partner couriers covering Brazzaville's districts, with cash on delivery possible alongside mobile prepayment. The 2,000,000 FCFA per-transaction cap suits nearly all baskets, including grouped purchases.
Mini case study
Serge, an appliance reseller in Brazzaville, launches a Starter at 1,400,000 FCFA. He targets 35 orders/month at 45,000 FCFA, i.e. 1,575,000 FCFA in revenue. With a 50/50 Airtel/MTN mix, his average fees are 1.85 %, about 29,137 FCFA/month. Hosting: 30,000 FCFA. He recovers the development cost in under three months of net margin.
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FAQ
Can you sell online in Congo without a bank card?
Yes. Airtel Money and MTN MoMo cover most Brazzaville buyers and allow collection without a bank card.
How much does a Brazzaville store cost in 2026?
From 1,200,000 to 1,600,000 FCFA for a Starter, up to 4,000,000 FCFA for a Premium with app and multi-currency.
What are the merchant fees?
About 1.7 % on Airtel Money and 2 % on MTN MoMo in 2026. Build this cost into your selling prices.
What is the per-transaction cap?
About 2,000,000 FCFA per transaction in 2026, enough for most baskets, including large orders.
How long to deliver within Brazzaville?
Expect 24 to 48 h intra-city with partner couriers covering the districts.
Let's talk about your project. We'll scope your Brazzaville store with Airtel Money + MTN MoMo and local logistics. 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.
