The verdict in three sentences
On low-smartphone markets, USSD (the *code# menu) stays essential because it works without data on any phone. The API delivers a far better experience and converts up to 25 % better, but requires an app and stable 3G. In Niger, 62 % of payments still use USSD; in Kampala, MTN MoMo and Airtel offer both.
USSD or API: the real trade-off
The choice depends on your customer base, not the technology. A rural Nigerien shop relies on USSD; an urban Ugandan store targeting smartphones wins with the API.
| Criterion | USSD (*menu#) | API (in-app / web) |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphone penetration needed | None | High |
| Data dependency | None | 3G/4G required |
| Payment time | 30-60 s (menus) | 10-20 s |
| Success rate | 70-80 % | 85-92 % |
| UX / experience | Basic, text | Smooth, visual |
| Integration cost | Low (USSD session) | Medium (API dev) |
| Relative conversion | Baseline | +20-25 % |
Penetration and data dependency by market
The 2026 figures confirm USSD is not dead: it still carries most transactions in low-equipment countries.
| Market | Smartphone penetration (est.) | USSD payment share | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Niger (Niamey) | ~40 % | ~62 % | USSD-first + API |
| Mali (Bamako) | ~50 % | ~48 % | Hybrid |
| Uganda (Kampala) | ~55 % | ~40 % | API + USSD fallback |
| Senegal (Dakar) | ~70 % | ~30 % | API-first |
| Ivory Coast (Abidjan) | ~65 % | ~35 % | API + USSD |
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Mini case study
Aisha, who runs a hardware store in Kampala serving a mixed base, first offered only an API payment link and lost roughly 40 % of customers on weak-network days. By adding the USSD option (*menu# MTN/Airtel), her completion rate rose from 55 % to 88 %. On 500 attempts/month at an 8,000 FCFA basket, that is ~165 extra sales, about 1.32M FCFA/month recovered simply by adding USSD alongside the API.
FAQ
Must I choose between USSD and API? No, the ideal is hybrid: API for smartphone customers and USSD as a fallback for everyone else. It maximizes coverage without excluding under-equipped customers.
Does USSD really work without internet? Yes, a USSD session runs over the operator's signaling network, not data. That is why 62 % of Nigerien payments still use it in 2026.
Does the API really convert better? When the network holds, the API converts about 20 to 25 % better thanks to a shorter flow (10-20 s vs 30-60 s) and a visual interface.
How much does integrating both cost? USSD stays cheap (operator session), the API needs medium development. Combined, they cover the whole base and quickly pay off through completion rate.
Let's talk about your project. We integrate USSD and API mobile money in hybrid mode so you lose no customer. 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.