The verdict in three sentences
There is no absolute best partner: the right choice depends on your average basket and your delivery zones. Aggregators like Glovo offer the best UX and a clean API but take 18-25 % commission; Yango and Gozem are cheaper per trip but with more makeshift integration. Below a basket of 12,000-15,000 FCFA equivalent, an aggregator's commission destroys the margin: prefer a rider or a negotiated flat rate.
2026 partner comparison
2026 orders of magnitude for West Africa (Accra, Abidjan, Dakar, Lome). Commissions vary by volume contract.
| Partner | Commission % | Fixed fee (FCFA) | Avg lead time | API integration | Zones | Reliability | Break-even/basket |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glovo | 18-25 % | 500-1,000 | 30-50 min | Excellent | Dense cities | 4.3/5 | > 15,000 |
| Yango Delivery | 12-18 % | 800-1,500 | 30-60 min | Good | Greater urban | 4.1/5 | > 12,000 |
| Gozem | 10-16 % | 700-1,200 | 40-70 min | Medium | Urban + fringe | 3.9/5 | > 10,000 |
| Bolt / other ride | 12-20 % | 600-1,200 | 30-55 min | Medium | Dense cities | 4.0/5 | > 12,000 |
| In-house rider | 0 % | 1,500-2,500 | 45-90 min | Custom | 1-2 areas | 4.2/5 | > 8,000 |
On a 25,000 basket, a 20 % Glovo commission = 5,000, versus an in-house rider at 2,000 flat. The aggregator only pays off if its speed and tracking lift conversion or cut failures.
What the API really changes
A good API creates the trip automatically on order validation, returns real-time status and a customer tracking link. Without it, your team re-enters each order by hand: count 3-5 min/order, i.e. on 300 orders about 20 hours/month of lost labour.
| Integration level | Time per order | Customer tracking | Hidden monthly cost (300 orders) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full API (webhook) | 0 min (auto) | real time | ~0 |
| Semi-manual (dashboard) | 1-2 min | delayed status | ~50,000 FCFA |
| Manual (WhatsApp/call) | 3-5 min | none | ~120,000 FCFA |
The Kolonell referral program
Do you know merchants or creators who need an online store well integrated with these couriers? Become a Kolonell referral partner (apporteur d'affaires) and earn a commission on every project signed thanks to you, with nothing technical to manage.
| Referred project type | Commission on sale | Recurring commission |
|---|---|---|
| Showcase site | 15 % | 5 % (maintenance/hosting) |
| E-commerce store | 12 % | 5 % |
| Marketplace | 10 % | - |
| Institutional site | 8 % | - |
Example: you introduce an e-commerce store billed at 2,000,000 FCFA, you earn 240,000 FCFA at signing, plus 5 % on monthly maintenance.
Mini case study
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Kofi, who runs a deli in Accra, hesitates between Glovo (20 % commission) and an in-house rider. Average basket: 14,000, 200 orders/month. With Glovo: 200 x 14,000 x 20 % = 560,000 FCFA/month. With an in-house rider at 2,000/trip: 200 x 2,000 = 400,000 FCFA/month, plus 150,000 salary = 550,000, but coverage limited to two neighbourhoods.
Kofi picks a hybrid model: in-house rider on his two dense zones (140 orders) and Glovo on the 60 distant orders. Total cost: 140 x 2,000 + 60 x 14,000 x 20 % = 280,000 + 168,000 = 448,000 FCFA/month, a 112,000 FCFA saving versus all-Glovo.
FAQ
Which partner for a small average basket?
Below 12,000, aggregators' percentage commissions devour the margin. Prefer an in-house rider at a flat rate or negotiate a per-trip fee rather than a percentage.
Is the API really worth the extra cost?
Yes from 150-200 orders/month: it saves 15-20 h of re-entry and removes address errors. Real-time tracking also cuts customer calls and failed deliveries.
Can I combine several partners?
It is even recommended: in-house rider on your dense zones, aggregator on distant or urgent ones. The hybrid model almost always beats all-aggregator on total cost.
How do I negotiate the commission?
On volume: above 200-300 trips/month, most partners drop 2 to 5 points or move to a flat fee. Put them in competition with precise volume figures.
How do I become a Kolonell referral partner?
Just introduce an interested client: you earn 8 to 15 % at signing depending on project type, plus 5 % recurring on showcase and store sites. We handle all the tech and follow-up.
Let's talk about your project. We integrate Yango, Gozem, Glovo or an in-house rider into your store, with automated API and customer tracking. 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.
