1. Start with one country, and one city
The most common mistake is to “sell to all of Africa” from day one. Each country has its own currency, delivery partners, rules and habits. Start where you can deliver well — usually the capital or the biggest city of your own country — and grow from there.
- Where can you deliver within 24 to 72 hours?
- Where do you know the prices people pay for your product?
- Where can you call or message a buyer in their language?
2. Know how your region buys
| Region | Store language | How buyers often pay | Currency |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Mauritania) | Arabic, French | Cash on delivery, bank transfer | MAD, DZD, TND, LYD, EGP, MRU |
| West Africa — franc zone (Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Benin, Togo) | French | Cash on delivery, mobile money | XOF (shared) |
| Central Africa (Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, DR Congo) | French | Cash on delivery, mobile money | XAF (shared), USD in DR Congo |
| Nigeria, Ghana | English | Cards and transfers in big cities, cash on delivery elsewhere | NGN, GHS |
| Kenya, South Africa | English | Mobile money in Kenya, cards in South Africa | KES, ZAR |
3. Offer the payment people trust
For a new store nobody knows, paying on delivery removes the biggest fear: sending money to a stranger. The price is that some parcels are refused, so you confirm orders before shipping. Bank transfer works well for higher prices and repeat customers.
On CODOS Store, cash on delivery and bank transfer can be offered side by side, with your bank details shown to the buyer after the order. See running a store with cash on delivery.
4. Organise delivery before you sell
- In your city: your own rider or a local delivery service is often the fastest and the cheapest for refused parcels.
- Other cities: a courier company that collects cash and pays you back on a fixed schedule — ask how often.
- Fees: one fee for the city, another for the rest of the country, shown before the order form.
CODOS Store sets delivery fees per city and per market, and free delivery above an amount. See delivery fees by city.
5. Build trust the way buyers expect
- A WhatsApp number on every page — many buyers will ask a question first.
- Real photos and short videos of the product, filmed by you.
- Reviews from real buyers, with photos.
- A confirmation call or message after each order: it lowers refusals and reassures. See the call script.
- Clear delivery time and exchange rule, in plain words.
6. Build a store made for phones and slow connections
Most visitors arrive from a social media app, on a phone, sometimes on a weak connection. Keep pages light: compressed photos, a short form, the price and the order button on the first screen.
On CODOS Store, pictures are resized when you upload them, the store works in French, English and Arabic (right to left), and prices show in your country’s currency — XOF and XAF included. You can add more countries later as markets, each with its own currency and fees.
7. Bring buyers with social media and ads
Facebook, Instagram and TikTok are where most first visitors come from. Start with organic posts and WhatsApp status, then a small ad budget on your best product page, with your pixel installed.
See Facebook ads, TikTok ads, and the ad budget calculator to know what one delivered order may cost.
8. Country guides
Local payment habits, delivery, legal status and examples, country by country:
- North Africa: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania.
- West Africa: Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin, Togo, Niger.
- Central Africa: Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, DR Congo.
Wondering if it is worth it? Read cash on delivery in Africa: is there an opportunity?
Profit calculator
Your real profit per order after delivery, refused parcels and ads — and the most you can pay per order.
Questions people ask first
What is the best way to sell online in Africa?
A simple online store that shows the price and delivery fee clearly, takes orders with a short form, accepts the payment local buyers trust (often cash on delivery), and a WhatsApp number to answer questions. Bring visitors with social media and small ads.
Can I sell in several African countries with one store?
Yes. On CODOS Store you add each country as a market with its own currency and delivery fees. Start with one, and add the next once delivery works.
Do I need a company to sell online in Africa?
It depends on the country. Each country page names the official body to check with.
Does CODOS Store take mobile money?
Not at checkout. Stores offer cash on delivery and bank transfer. Many sellers collect cash on delivery through their courier.
