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Integrating Mobile Money Payments into Your Website

A step-by-step guide on how to add MTN MoMo and Airtel Money payments to your Ugandan website.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Step 1: Choose Aggregator
  3. Step 2: Create Account
  4. Step 3: Get API Keys
  5. Step 4: Installation
  6. Step 5: Testing
  7. Summary & Key Takeaways
  8. Common FAQs

In Uganda, cash is being replaced by the phone. If your website only accepts Visa/MasterCard, you are excluding over 80% of potential customers.

Integrating Mobile Money (MoMo) is essential. Here is how it works.

Mobile Money Payment

Step 1: Choose Your Aggregator

You have two options:

  1. Direct Integration: Connect directly to MTN or Airtel. This boasts lower fees but requires complex technical setup and separate contracts for each telecom.
  2. Payment Aggregator: Use a service like Flutterwave, Pesapal, or DPO. They give you one plugin that handles MTN, Airtel, and Visa all at once.
    • Recommendation: For most businesses, an Aggregator is faster and easier.

Step 2: Create a Merchant Account

Visit the aggregator's website (e.g., flutterwave.com) and sign up for a business account. You will need:

  • Certificate of Incorporation / Registration.
  • Company TIN Number.
  • Directors' IDs.

Step 3: Get Your API Keys

Once verified, you will get two keys:

  • Public Key: Used on the website to initiate the payment.
  • Secret Key: Used on your server to verify the payment was successful. (Never share this!)

Step 4: Install the Plugin (WordPress/WooCommerce)

If you use WordPress:

  1. Go to Plugins > Add New.
  2. Search for "Rave by Flutterwave" or your chosen provider.
  3. Install and Activate.
  4. Go to Settings and paste your API Keys.

WordPress Plugin Setting

Step 5: Testing

Before going live, use the "Test Mode." Try to buy a product on your site using test phone numbers provided by the aggregator. Ensure that:

  1. The payment popup appears.
  2. The transaction succeeds in the dashboard.
  3. The customer gets a receipt email.

Conclusion

Adding Mobile Money adds credibility and convenience. It signals to your customers that you understand the local market.

Summary & Key Takeaways

  • Necessity: 80% of Ugandans pay with phones.
  • Ease: Use an aggregator to save time.
  • Security: Keep your API keys safe.

Common FAQs

1. How much are the fees? Aggregators typically charge 2.5-3% per transaction.

2. Is it safe for my customers? Yes, customers must enter their PIN on their own phones to approve payments. They never share their PIN with your site.

3. Do I need a website? Not necessarily. Many aggregators allow you to send "Payment Links" via WhatsApp/SMS without a full website.

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