The verdict in three sentences
In Lagos as in Nairobi, delivery costs 1,500 to 3,500 FCFA depending on the zone, and flat pricing loses you money on long distances. Two wounds hit the margin: an 8-to-15% failure rate from vague addresses, and cash on delivery still accounting for 40 to 60% of orders. The fix: price by zone, confirm every order by phone, and trigger free delivery only above a 25,000 FCFA basket.
Zone pricing in Lagos/Nairobi
A zone grid aligns the price the customer pays with the real trip cost. Here is a 2026 order of magnitude.
| Zone | Distance | Customer price | Delay |
|---|---|---|---|
| City center | 0-5 km | 1,500 FCFA | D+0 express |
| Near periphery | 5-12 km | 2,000 FCFA | D+1 |
| Suburbs | 12-25 km | 3,000 FCFA | D+1/D+2 |
| Outer suburbs | 25 km+ | 3,500 FCFA | D+2 |
| Other city (relay) | intercity | on quote | D+2/D+3 |
Showing the zone price clearly at checkout avoids surprise fees, the number-one cause of abandonment.
Partners, failures and cash on delivery
Carrier choice and cash handling determine your real profitability.
| Option / issue | 2026 benchmark |
|---|---|
| Independent motorbike riders | 1,000-2,500 FCFA/trip |
| Ride-app couriers | 1,500-3,500 FCFA/trip |
| In-house courier (>150 orders/mo) | fixed salary + fuel |
| Failure rate (vague address) | 8-15% |
| Cash on delivery | 40-60% of orders |
| Failure cut via confirmation call | -5 to -8 points |
A confirmation call before dispatch is the cheapest lever to bring failures under 10%.
Mini case study
Awa, who runs a boutique, handles 200 orders/month at a 22,000 FCFA basket. With flat 2,000 FCFA delivery but a real average cost of 2,600 FCFA, she loses 600 FCFA × 200 = 120,000 FCFA/month. She switches to a zone grid (1,500 to 3,500 FCFA) and adds a confirmation call: failures drop from 14% to 8%, saving 12 failed deliveries/month (~31,000 FCFA). Net: +150,000 FCFA of monthly margin recovered.
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FAQ
How much does a delivery cost in 2026?
Between 1,500 FCFA in the center and 3,500 FCFA in outer suburbs; zone pricing avoids losing money on long distances.
Why do so many deliveries fail?
Vague addresses cause 8 to 15% failures; a simple confirmation call before dispatch cuts that rate by 5 to 8 points.
Should I offer cash on delivery?
Yes, since it still represents 40 to 60% of orders locally; secure it with a phone confirmation to limit returned parcels.
From what amount should I offer free delivery?
A 25,000 FCFA basket threshold protects your margin: below it, free delivery costing 2,500 FCFA eats too much profitability.
Do I need an in-house courier?
Beyond roughly 150 orders/month, an in-house courier (fixed salary + fuel) often becomes cheaper than per-trip fees of 1,500-3,500 FCFA.
Let's talk about your project. We set up your zone delivery grid and free-threshold rules. 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.
