The verdict in three sentences
Where data is scarce or expensive, USSD (those #...# codes) remains the most inclusive payment channel: it works on any phone, even on 2G, with no app. It reaches over 70% of a rural customer base that QR ignores. Its one real flaw: a short session (~90 s) and a 15 to 25% drop-off rate if there are too many steps.
Why USSD holds up in rural areas
A QR assumes a smartphone, data and an installed app. In rural areas, these three conditions are often missing. USSD only needs a voice/2G network and a basic phone.
| Criterion (2026 estimate) | USSD (#code#) | QR / app |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphone required | No | Yes |
| Connection needed | 2G / voice | Data (3G/4G) |
| Useful coverage in Senegal | ~95% of territory | ~60% of territory |
| Rural adoption | > 70% | 20 to 35% |
| Session duration | ~90 s | Unlimited |
| Drop-off rate | 15 to 25% | 8 to 15% |
| Cost to customer | Free to low | Data used |
Codes by operator
Each operator has its syntax; a merchant can display both to lose no one.
| Operator (Senegal) | Code type | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Orange Money | #144# (order of magnitude) | Transfer and merchant payment |
| Wave | App + USSD backup | Payment and withdrawal |
| Free Money | #555# (order of magnitude) | Transfer and payment |
| All operators | Dedicated merchant code | Collection with reference |
Exact numbers change: check with the operator, but the USSD principle stays stable.
Mini case study
Ibrahima, who runs a hardware store in Tambacounda, lost sales when customers ran out of cash. Of 60 customers/day, 42 (70%) have no smartphone usable for a QR but all have a mobile-money account. By displaying a USSD merchant code, he now collects from those 42 customers cashless. With an average basket of 8,000 FCFA, that secures about 336,000 FCFA/day previously exposed to cash risk, and halves his bank trips.
FAQ
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Does USSD really work with no data connection at all?
Yes: it uses the 2G voice/signaling channel, present on ~95% of the territory. No app or data is needed, making it ideal beyond big cities.
Why a 15 to 25% drop-off rate?
A USSD session expires after ~90 seconds. If the menu has too many steps or the customer hesitates, the session ends. A short merchant code limits this risk.
Can you get an order reference via USSD?
Yes, through a dedicated merchant code that ties each payment to your account. It's essential for reconciliation, just like a dynamic QR.
USSD or QR: do I have to choose?
No, ideally display both. QR for equipped urban customers, USSD to lose no customer on 2G or without a smartphone.
What's the cost to the merchant?
Merchant fees stay around ~1% depending on the operator. USSD itself adds no hardware cost: no terminal to rent.
Let's talk about your project. We set up multi-channel QR + USSD collection so you lose no customer, even offline. 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.
