The verdict in three sentences
Below 3,000,000 FCFA of monthly volume, the aggregator almost always wins: its 2 to 3 % fees cost less than amortizing a direct integration. The break-even sits around 2,500,000 FCFA/month: beyond it, the direct dev cost (400,000 to 800,000 FCFA) pays back over 12 months. On top of that, the aggregator goes live in 5 days, versus several weeks for a custom build.
The direct vs aggregator switching threshold
The real question isn't gross fees but total cost relative to your volume. Here is the 2026 comparison.
| Criterion | Aggregator | Direct integration |
|---|---|---|
| Fee per transaction | 2-3 % | 1-2 % |
| Setup cost | 0 to low | 400,000 - 800,000 FCFA |
| Time to production | ~5 days | 3 to 6 weeks |
| Maintenance | Included | On you |
| Break-even volume | - | ~2,500,000 FCFA/month |
Below the threshold you mostly pay for simplicity and speed; above it, direct integration repays its cost through lower fees.
Simulating total cost over 12 months
Always project over a year. The fee gap between 2.5 % (aggregator) and 1.5 % (direct) only shows at annual-volume scale.
| Monthly volume | Aggregator fees (2.5 %) / yr | Direct fees (1.5 %) + 600K dev / yr | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,500,000 FCFA | 450,000 FCFA | 870,000 FCFA | Aggregator |
| 2,500,000 FCFA | 750,000 FCFA | 1,050,000 FCFA | Aggregator |
| 4,000,000 FCFA | 1,200,000 FCFA | 1,320,000 FCFA | Close |
| 6,000,000 FCFA | 1,800,000 FCFA | 1,680,000 FCFA | Direct |
| 10,000,000 FCFA | 3,000,000 FCFA | 2,400,000 FCFA | Direct |
The real switch appears between 4 and 6 million FCFA/month: that is where amortizing the direct dev catches up with then overtakes the aggregator.
Mini case study
Aminata runs a ready-to-wear SME in Dakar, volume 2,000,000 FCFA/month and growing. At that level, an aggregator at 2.5 % costs her 50,000 FCFA/month, whereas a 600,000 FCFA direct integration would take a year to amortize. She chooses the aggregator to launch in 5 days, then keeps the option to switch to direct once she durably exceeds 4,000,000 FCFA/month. A rational decision: speed today, optimization later.
Kolonell advises you, and pays you as a referral partner
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
We build your decision grid on your real numbers, without selling you more than necessary. And if you refer an SME to us, the Kolonell referral (apporteur d'affaires) program pays you on every signed project.
| Type of referred project | Sale commission | Recurring |
|---|---|---|
| Showcase site | 15 % | +5 % |
| E-commerce | 12 % | - |
| Marketplace | 10 % | - |
| Institutional | 8 % | - |
A showcase site at 1,200,000 FCFA earns you 180,000 FCFA on the sale, plus 5 % recurring on maintenance. You refer, we deliver, you get paid.
FAQ
From what volume does direct integration become profitable?
The break-even sits around 2,500,000 FCFA/month, but the gap only turns clearly in favor of direct between 4 and 6 million FCFA/month, once the dev cost (400,000 to 800,000 FCFA) is amortized over 12 months.
How long to launch with an aggregator?
About 5 business days for a standard SME, versus 3 to 6 weeks for direct integration. That is the decisive argument when you want to start collecting fast.
Can I start on an aggregator then switch to direct?
Yes, and it is often the best strategy: launch on an aggregator for speed, then migrate to direct once your volume durably exceeds 4,000,000 FCFA/month. Just budget the migration cost.
Are aggregator fees negotiable?
Yes as volume climbs. A headline 3 % rate can drop toward 2 to 2.5 % on a volume commitment, which pushes the switch-to-direct threshold further out.
Let's talk about your project. We compute your break-even on your real numbers and pick the cheapest solution. 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.
