The verdict in three sentences
Showing prices in the local currency lifts conversion by 12 to 18 %, but a 1.5 to 3 % FX spread eats into margin. Dynamic conversion converts better but exposes you to FX risk; fixed conversion protects margin but may show slightly off prices. Past a certain volume, a multi-currency account with 3 to 7-day repatriation becomes the winning option.
Fixed vs dynamic conversion
Local checkout can show a price converted at a locked rate (fixed) or the live market rate (dynamic). Each approach has a different cost and benefit.
| Criterion | Fixed conversion | Dynamic conversion |
|---|---|---|
| Conversion uplift | +10-12 % | +15-18 % |
| FX risk | carried by you | carried by customer |
| Spread applied | 1.5-2 % | 2-3 % |
| Displayed-price stability | high | variable |
| Technical complexity | low | medium |
Dynamic converts slightly better, but fixed ensures a predictable margin — often preferable for a low-margin catalogue.
Cross-border fees and 2026 thresholds
Selling outside your currency zone adds cross-border fees and a repatriation delay. Here are the 2026 orders of magnitude.
| Item | 2026 order of magnitude |
|---|---|
| Flutterwave cross-border fee | ~1 % |
| Provider FX spread | 1.5-3 % |
| Funds repatriation delay | 3-7 days |
| Local-checkout conversion uplift | +12-18 % |
| Multi-currency account threshold | ~USD 8-13k/month |
| Multi-currency account upkeep | USD 15-50/month |
Below ~USD 8k/month in cross-border sales, aggregator conversion is enough; above, a multi-currency account cuts the cumulative spread.
Become a Kolonell referral partner
Know merchants or entrepreneurs wanting to sell across Africa? The Kolonell referral (apporteur d'affaires) programme pays you for every completed project. 2026 rates:
| Project type | Commission | Recurring |
|---|---|---|
| Showcase site | 15 % | + 5 % |
| E-commerce | 12 % | + 5 % |
| Marketplace | 10 % | — |
| Institutional | 8 % | — |
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
A single e-commerce project at FCFA 2,000,000 earns you FCFA 240,000, plus 5 % on recurring maintenance. No technical skills required: you bring the contact, we deliver.
Mini case study
Koffi runs a fashion shop in Kampala and wants to sell into Nigeria and Kenya. On USD 13k of cross-border sales/month, an aggregator takes 1 % cross-border + 2.5 % spread = USD 455/month. Moving to a multi-currency account at USD 40/month with a 1.5 % spread, fees drop to 1 % + 1.5 % = USD 325 + 40 = USD 365/month. Saving: USD 90/month, while keeping the local-price conversion uplift.
FAQ
Is showing local-currency prices worth the FX risk?
In most cases yes: the 12 to 18 % conversion uplift far outweighs the 1.5 to 3 % spread. Fixed conversion captures the uplift while protecting margin.
Fixed or dynamic: which to choose?
Fixed if your margin is tight or your prices are psychological (9,900, 19,900); dynamic if you sell premium where the exact rate matters little. You can also combine by product range.
When should I open a multi-currency account?
From USD 8k-13k/month in cross-border sales, the account cuts the cumulative spread more than it costs in upkeep. Below that, an aggregator stays simpler.
How do I become a Kolonell referral partner?
Just introduce a qualified contact. You earn 8 to 15 % of the project depending on the division, plus 5 % recurring on showcase and e-commerce. We handle all the technical and sales work.
Let's talk about your project. Multi-currency checkout or the referral programme: let's discuss. 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.
