Why choose Shopisim over Shopify in Africa?
Shopify is a strong platform wherever Shopify Payments is available. Across West and Central Africa it is not. Your customers pay by Mobile Money, and that is exactly what Shopisim handles natively.
The comparison, criterion by criterion
| Criterion | Shopify | Shopisim |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Money (Orange Money, MTN MoMo) | Third-party apps only | Built in |
| Platform commission on your sales | 0.5 to 2% where Shopify Payments cannot be used | None |
| Native gateway availability | Shopify Payments limited to a set list of countries | Stripe, Square, PayPal and Mobile Money in one dashboard |
| Currencies | Multi-currency depending on plan | 24 currencies, including XOF and XAF |
| Merchant interface languages | Many languages | French, English, German |
| Dropshipping | Through marketplace apps | Partner directory (Spocket, AutoDS, DSers, Zendrop), to connect yourself |
| Going live | Setup assistant | Publishable in minutes, no code |
| Entry price | Paid plan after the trial | Free Starter (30 products), Business €30 per month, 30-day trial |
Shopify details checked in August 2026 on shopify.com. Both platforms change their terms, so verify current conditions before deciding.
What Shopify does not cover in these markets
Shopify Payments is not available everywhere
Shopify's own gateway covers a closed list of countries. Outside it you need an external provider, and Shopify then charges a commission on every sale.
No native Mobile Money
Orange Money, MTN MoMo and Wave run through third-party apps that you have to pick, pay for and maintain yourself.
A commission on top of provider fees
You pay twice: your payment provider's fees, then the platform's commission.
Billing built around the dollar
Plans are priced in a foreign currency, which exposes your margin to the exchange rate.
What Shopisim offers instead
Mobile Money built in
Orange Money and MTN Mobile Money sit next to Stripe, Square and PayPal in a single dashboard.
No commission on your sales
You pay your subscription and your payment provider's fees. Shopisim takes nothing from your revenue.
24 currencies, XOF and XAF included
Show prices in your customers' currency without rough conversions.
Recommended dropshipping partners
Shopisim lists Spocket, AutoDS, DSers and Zendrop and guides you to connect them. There is no native integration: the link with your store goes through their tool.
Frequently asked questions
Can I migrate my Shopify store to Shopisim?
Yes. Export your products and customers from Shopify, then import them into Shopisim. Contact us before you start and we will tell you which order to follow so nothing is lost.
Does Shopisim really take 0% of my sales?
Yes. Your subscription is the only amount you pay us. Your payment provider's fees remain, whether Stripe, Square or your Mobile Money operator, and they bill those directly.
Do I need technical skills?
No. Pick a design, add your products and publish. No code is needed, neither to launch the store nor to run it.
What happens when the free trial ends?
Nothing automatic. Your store stays in place and you decide whether to move to a paid plan. Nothing is charged unless you choose it.
Open your store and see for yourself
No credit card, no commitment.