The verdict in three sentences
Selling online and collecting via a merchant mobile-money account requires being formally registered: a CAC certificate in Nigeria, an RCCM in Côte d'Ivoire. The CAC, Nigeria's Corporate Affairs Commission, is largely digital and issues a certificate within days. Once the registry and tax number (TIN) are obtained, activating a merchant mobile-money account unlocks pro collection and online payment.
The CAC steps (Nigeria)
The CAC process is largely dematerialised, with a name reservation, registration and a tax identification number (TIN).
| Step | 2026 delay (order of magnitude) | Indicative cost | Document obtained |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name reservation | 1 to 2 days | CAC fee | Name approval |
| Business Name registration | 2 to 7 days | CAC fee | CAC certificate |
| Limited (Ltd) registration | 5 to 14 days | Higher fees | Certificate + articles |
| TIN (FIRS) | A few days | Free | Tax number (TIN) |
| Merchant / payment account | 1 to 7 days | Provider-dependent | Collection access |
Côte d'Ivoire side: CEPICI
The Ivorian one-stop shop bundles formalities in one place, sharply cutting delays versus a fragmented path.
| Step | 2026 delay (order of magnitude) | Indicative cost | Document obtained |
|---|---|---|---|
| File submission (sole proprietor) | Day 0 | Reduced fees | Receipt |
| RCCM registration | 24 to 72 h | ~15,000 to 30,000 FCFA | RCCM extract |
| Tax existence declaration | Included | — | Tax number |
| Pro bank account | 3 to 10 days | Bank-dependent | Business account |
| Merchant mobile-money activation | 1 to 5 days | Free to low | Wave/OM Business |
Mini case study
Chidi wants to launch an online store in Lagos. He reserves the name (2 days), then registers a Business Name with the CAC and receives the certificate within a week. He obtains a TIN from FIRS a few days later. He then activates a merchant payment account within a week. About two weeks after starting, he legally collects his first online orders with compliant invoices — the essential condition to plug a Wave/mobile-money payment module into his site.
FAQ
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Do you need to be registered to collect online?
Yes for a merchant mobile-money account and to plug in a pro payment module. A personal account rarely suffices and risks freezes and non-compliant invoices.
How long to be operational?
In Nigeria, allow a few days to two weeks for the CAC certificate and TIN, then the merchant account: roughly one to two weeks total. In Côte d'Ivoire, RCCM via CEPICI takes 24 to 72 h.
Business Name or Limited company?
A Business Name (or sole proprietorship) is faster and cheaper to start. A Limited/SARL better protects personal assets and reassures partners, at the cost of heavier formalities.
What documents to prepare?
Generally an ID, proof of address, and the registry form. In Nigeria, CAC registration is largely done online.
Is a merchant account essential for a Kolonell site?
Yes: we connect Wave and mobile money in merchant mode for clean collection, with confirmation webhooks. The CAC/RCCM is the prerequisite.
Let's talk about your project. Once registered, we connect your site to Wave/mobile-money merchant mode to collect online from day one. 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.
