The verdict in three sentences
A pharmacy doesn't need a full online store: it needs the customer to reserve, pay a deposit and come collect. In 2026 in Accra, a solid catalog site costs 400,000-700,000 FCFA, and the click-and-collect module adds 300,000-500,000 FCFA. The real win isn't online sales, it's shorter queues and customer loyalty.
Catalog only or catalog + click-and-collect?
The core question is scope. A catalog shows products and stock; click-and-collect adds reservation, mobile-money deposit and prescriptions. Here is the comparison.
| Feature | Catalog only | Catalog + click-and-collect |
|---|---|---|
| Product + price display | Yes | Yes |
| Real-time stock display | Optional | Yes |
| Online reservation | No | Yes |
| Wave / Orange Money deposit | No | Yes |
| Secure prescription upload | No | Yes |
| SMS pickup notification | No | Yes |
| 2026 price (FCFA) | 400,000 - 700,000 | 700,000 - 1,200,000 |
The prescription-upload module is what sets a pharmacy apart from a regular shop: it must be encrypted and compliant with health-data confidentiality.
The 2026 cost breakdown
Here are the ballpark figures item by item, mobile-money deposit included. Mobile-money fees are borne by the merchant or passed on, depending on your choice.
| Item | FCFA | EUR (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Catalog site (base) | 400,000 - 700,000 | 610 - 1,067 |
| Click-and-collect module | 300,000 - 500,000 | 457 - 762 |
| Secure prescription upload | 100,000 - 200,000 | 152 - 305 |
| Wave / OM integration | included - 150,000 | 0 - 229 |
| Maintenance / month | 50,000 - 150,000 | 76 - 229 |
| Delivery timeline | 10-20 days | — |
Mobile-money transaction fees run around 1% to 1.5% per payment in 2026 (estimate); on a 5,000 FCFA deposit that is 50 to 75 FCFA.
Mini case study
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Awa, who runs a pharmacy in a busy Accra suburb, was losing customers at peak hours: long queues and out-of-stock medicines after a trip. She invested 950,000 FCFA in a catalog + click-and-collect site with a Wave deposit. In two months, 180 reservations were handled, 40% with a deposit, eliminating no-show pickups. Average counter time dropped by about 3 minutes per customer at peak.
FAQ
Is a pharmacy allowed to sell online?
Click-and-collect isn't strictly online selling: the customer reserves and pays a deposit, but dispensing happens at the counter under the pharmacist's control. It is the simplest option from a regulatory standpoint.
How much does adding the mobile-money deposit cost?
Wave or Orange Money integration ranges from included to 150,000 FCFA depending on complexity. Transaction fees are around 1 to 1.5% per payment in 2026.
Is real-time stock mandatory?
No, but strongly recommended: it prevents reservations on out-of-stock items. Without it, plan for manual validation by the team.
What is the go-live timeline?
Between 10 and 20 days depending on the prescription module and mobile-money integration. A catalog alone can ship in 10 days.
Let's talk about your project. We price your click-and-collect to the exact need, with no unnecessary e-commerce. 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.
