Local Payment Gateways in Botswana: Accepting BWP Online Payments in 2025
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Botswana’s e-commerce scene is on the rise, and choosing the right payment gateway is critical for businesses that want to sell online in local currency (BWP). A recent study found that over 60% of online shoppers in Botswana abandon carts due to limited payment options. This means offering convenient, secure payment methods – especially those that support Botswana Pula – can directly boost your sales.
In this article, we’ll explore the top local payment gateways in Botswana that support checkout or settlement in BWP, and we’ll compare their features, fees, and integration options. We’ll also provide tips on selecting the best gateway for your needs, and answer common FAQs about online payments in Botswana. Let’s dive in!
What is a Payment Gateway?
In simple terms, a payment gateway is the technology that allows merchants to accept electronic payments online. According to Investopedia, “a payment gateway is a technology used by merchants to accept debit or credit card purchases from customers,” acting as the checkout portal that securely transmits payment information for processing.
In an online transaction, the payment gateway encrypts the customer’s card or mobile wallet details and forwards them to the acquiring bank, which then authorizes the payment and settles funds to the merchant. Essentially, the gateway is the bridge between your e-commerce site and the financial institutions that move money from the buyer to you.
A reliable gateway ensures payments are processed securely, quickly, and in compliance with PCI DSS standards (so you don’t have to handle sensitive card data yourself).
Key benefits of using a reputable payment gateway include:
- Security: Payment gateways encrypt customer data and employ fraud detection tools, keeping card details safe.
- Multi-channel acceptance: Gateways enable acceptance of various payment methods – credit/debit cards, mobile money wallets, bank transfers, etc. – through one interface.
- Convenience: They provide a seamless checkout experience on websites or apps, which reduces friction and cart abandonment.
- Settlement in local currency: Critically for Botswana businesses, certain gateways can settle funds in Botswana Pula (BWP), eliminating costly currency conversions for merchants and customers.
With the basics covered, let’s look at Botswana’s local payment gateways that support BWP transactions, and examine their features in detail.
Leading Botswana Payment Gateways Supporting BWP
Below we profile each major payment gateway available to Botswana-based businesses. For each gateway, we’ll cover the company background, support for BWP currency, payment methods, e-commerce platform integrations, international capabilities, pricing, onboarding, activation time, and the key strengths and limitations. These gateways have local presence or partnerships in Botswana, meaning they understand the market and can settle funds to local bank accounts in Pula.
1. DPO Pay (formerly DPO PayGate / VCS Botswana)
Company & Website: DPO Group (now part of Network International) – Official site: dpogroup.com
Background: DPO is one of Africa’s leading Payment Service Providers, and in Botswana it’s known for acquiring Virtual Card Services (VCS) and PayGate, the earliest online payment platforms in the country.
BWP Checkout & Settlement:
Yes. DPO supports multi-currency pricing, allowing customers to pay in Botswana Pula or other currencies, while merchants can choose to settle in BWP or major currencies like USD or ZAR. This flexibility is ideal for local businesses displaying prices in Pula but selling internationally.
Payment Methods Accepted:
- Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club (3D Secure supported)
- Mobile Money: Orange Money in Botswana
- Bank Transfers/EFT: Online EFT, bank deposits, internet banking
- Others: PayPal, regional mobile wallets like M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa (outside Botswana)
E-commerce Platform Integrations:
- Plug-ins for: WooCommerce, Shopify, Magento, Wix, OpenCart, PrestaShop, WHMCS, Ecwid, Odoo
- WordPress WooCommerce plugin available
- REST APIs and SDKs for custom integration
- Hosted or inline payment pages
International Transactions:
- Accept payments globally in any currency
- Settle to you in BWP or other selected currencies
- International card support including Amex, Diner’s
Fees & Pricing:
- Setup Fee: None (as of recent updates)
- Monthly Gateway Fee: Typically P200–P300 (depends on acquiring bank)
- Transaction Fees: ~3% for local Visa/MasterCard, slightly higher for international cards (3.5–5%), flat fee ~P1.00–P2.50
- Settlement Fees: Usually none for local transfers
- Chargeback Fees: Estimated P100–P150 per case
- Other: Rolling reserve of up to 180 days may apply for high-risk merchants
Onboarding Requirements:
- Registered business (Certificate of Incorporation, Tax ID, etc.)
- Business bank account in Botswana (FNB or Stanbic)
- Shareholder/director IDs, financials, website review (T&Cs, refund policy, etc.)
- DPO agreements and possible integration testing
- Activation Time: 2–10 business days depending on documentation and bank processing
Strengths:
- Supports BWP settlement
- Wide range of payment methods
- Strong platform integration support
- PCI DSS Level 1 compliant
- Trusted by top brands (DHL, universities)
- Botswana office and local support
- No long-term contract
Limitations:
- Complex onboarding (requires merchant bank account)
- Monthly fees apply even with low sales volume
- Potential support delays (reported by some users)
- Rolling reserve can affect cash flow for some
- Mobile money support limited to Orange Money in Botswana
Verdict: DPO is a comprehensive, bank-backed solution ideal for established businesses that need a scalable payment platform with multi-currency and multi-method support. Its local presence, security, and flexibility make it a reliable choice for e-commerce in Botswana.
2. Absa E-Commerce Gateway (via CyberSource)
Company & Website: Absa Bank Botswana – absa.co.bw/business/absa-e-commerce-solutions
Absa (formerly Barclays Bank Botswana) offers an online payment gateway for merchants, powered by Visa CyberSource technology. This solution enables Absa business banking clients to accept card payments online with local settlement in BWP.
BWP Checkout & Settlement:
Yes – Local and international card payments can be processed in Botswana Pula (BWP) and settled directly into your Absa merchant account. If a foreign card is used, currency conversion is typically handled by the cardholder’s bank unless otherwise configured.
Payment Methods Accepted:
- Visa
- MasterCard
- American Express (AMEX)
- UnionPay
All transactions are processed via Visa’s CyberSource Secure Acceptance platform using 3-D Secure authentication. No native support for mobile money or EFT.
E-commerce Platform Integrations:
- Hosted Checkout: Secure Acceptance hosted payment page or embedded iframe
- APIs/SDKs: Available for custom integrations
- Third-Party Platforms: CyberSource supports WordPress, Magento, Drupal Commerce, and can work with WooCommerce via middleware
- Pay-by-Link: Create invoices or links for customer payments
International Capabilities:
Absa supports international Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, and UnionPay cards. Transactions are settled in BWP unless pre-arranged. Cross-border fees may apply for foreign cards.
Pricing Structure:
- Setup Fee: Possibly waived or nominal
- Monthly Fee: Estimated P150–P250/month
- Transaction Fees: ~3% for local, 4–5% for foreign/AMEX cards
- Refund/Chargeback Fees: Refund fees may apply; chargebacks ~P100+
- Settlement: Direct to Absa business account, typically next-day (T+1)
Merchant Onboarding Requirements:
- Absa business bank account
- Business registration documents
- Owner IDs, sales projections, website policies
- Merchant ID/API credentials from CyberSource
- Integration testing and Merchant Agreement signing
Time to Activation:
1–3 weeks depending on approval speed and integration type.
Strengths:
- Reputable local bank brand
- PCI DSS compliance with hosted checkout
- UnionPay and AMEX support
- Daily settlement to Absa account
- Pay-by-link invoicing and local support
- Lower cost potential for high-volume merchants
Limitations:
- No mobile money or EFT support
- Limited plugin availability (technical resources needed)
- Requires Absa account
- Slower onboarding vs online aggregators
- Monthly and cross-border fees may apply
Verdict: Absa’s CyberSource-powered gateway is ideal for established businesses seeking secure, bank-grade card processing with local currency settlement. Supplement with other methods for broader customer coverage.
3. Cellulant’s Tingg (Express Checkout)
Company & Website: Cellulant Botswana (Pty) Ltd – tingg.africa
Cellulant is a pan-African fintech with operations in over 15 countries. In Botswana, they provide the Tingg platform, which enables online payments through multiple channels including card, mobile money, and bank transfers. The gateway is locally supported, making it suitable for Botswana-based businesses looking to accept BWP payments.
BWP Checkout & Settlement:
Yes – Tingg supports Botswana Pula transactions and settles locally to your bank account in BWP. Multi-currency support is available across their African operations, but Botswana merchants receive Pula settlements unless otherwise arranged.
Payment Methods Accepted:
- Visa and MasterCard (3‑D Secure enabled)
- Orange Money (and possibly MyZaka)
- Bank Transfers (e.g., via Absa/FNB if integrated)
- QR code, USSD, app-based payments
E‑commerce Platform Integrations:
- Hosted Checkout: Express Checkout redirect or embedded UI
- APIs/SDKs: Available for custom integration on web or mobile
- Plugins: May offer WooCommerce/Magento plugins via support
- Mobile Apps: Supports SDK for app-based payment collection
International Capabilities:
Tingg accepts international Visa/MasterCard payments. Payments are processed in BWP with FX handled by the cardholder’s bank. Mobile wallets are local only. Tingg also provides cross-border payout solutions, but that’s separate from gateway usage.
Pricing Structure:
- Setup Fee: Likely waived or nominal
- Monthly Fee: Possibly none for basic plan
- Transaction Fees: ~3% + P1 for card, different rate for mobile money
- Chargeback Fees: ~P100 per case (for card)
- Settlement: Daily or weekly into your local bank account
Merchant Onboarding Requirements:
- Registered business in Botswana
- KYC documents (e.g., company docs, ID, tax info)
- Local bank account for BWP settlement
- Signed agreement with Cellulant
- Integration testing (sandbox → live)
Time to Activation:
Estimated 3–7 business days. Cellulant’s local presence in Gaborone speeds up communication and onboarding.
Strengths:
- Multiple payment options in one platform
- Local team and regional expertise
- Secure, PCI DSS compliant platform
- Developer-friendly APIs and documentation
- Scalable across African markets
- Likely no monthly fees (startup friendly)
- Innovation-friendly: Tingg Wallet, recurring payments, more
Limitations:
- Lower brand recognition locally vs PayPal/DPO
- Integration may require developer support
- Fees not published – requires inquiry
- No support for PayPal or crypto wallets
- Reliant on uptime of local partners (e.g., Orange)
Verdict: Tingg by Cellulant is a powerful, locally supported aggregator perfect for Botswana businesses that want to offer card, mobile wallet, and bank payments through a unified checkout. Great for inclusive e-commerce strategies.
4. Virtual Pay Botswana
Company & Website: Virtual Pay International – virtual-pay.io. Virtual Pay operates in Botswana via Virtual Card Services Botswana (Pty) Ltd, an entity listed by Mastercard as an approved payment facilitator.
BWP Checkout & Settlement:
Virtual Pay supports pricing and settlement in Botswana Pula (BWP), allowing merchants to display prices locally and receive payouts straight to a Botswana bank account. Multi‑currency pricing is available on request for merchants selling internationally.
Payment Methods Accepted:
- Cards: Visa, MasterCard and potentially American Express.
- Mobile Money: Orange Money and other supported wallets (mobile‑first design).
- Alternate Methods: Carrier billing, USSD, and select bank‑transfer / EFT options where enabled.
Integration Options:
- Hosted Checkout Page: Secure, mobile‑responsive page or embeddable iframe.
- APIs / SDKs: REST APIs and webhooks for custom web or mobile integrations.
- E‑commerce Plugins: In‑progress support for WooCommerce, Shopify and more (confirm with Virtual Pay).
International Capabilities:
Accepts global Visa/MasterCard payments. Foreign‑currency transactions are converted to BWP on settlement (or other agreed currency). Ideal for merchants targeting tourists and cross‑border customers.
Pricing Structure:
- Setup Fee: Likely none (fintech standard).
- Monthly Fee: None or minimal.
- Transaction Fees: ~2.5 – 3.5 % for cards; ≈ 2 % for mobile money (estimate).
- Chargeback Fee: ≈ P100 per case.
- Settlement: Typically daily; verify payout schedule.
Merchant Onboarding Requirements:
- KYC: Business registration, director IDs, bank letter.
- Website/app review for compliance.
- Signed merchant agreement & sandbox test‑transactions.
Strengths:
- Mobile‑first, omni‑channel checkout.
- Unified platform for cards and mobile money.
- Competitive, simple pricing.
- Local focus with global PSP backing.
- Fast onboarding and modern analytics dashboard.
Limitations:
- Shorter track‑record in Botswana vs. DPO/banks.
- Customer recognition still growing.
- Support responsiveness should be verified.
- Settlement timetable and FX margins need clarification.
Verdict: Virtual Pay Botswana is an up-and-coming player offering a well-rounded, mobile-first payment solution tailored for modern businesses. With strong support for both card and mobile money transactions, competitive pricing, and local BWP settlement, it’s ideal for startups, e-commerce platforms, and digitally savvy merchants. While it may not yet have the same reputation or track record as banks like Absa or aggregators like DPO, its rapid onboarding and tech-friendly features make it a compelling option—especially for businesses looking to future-proof their checkout experience in Botswana.
5. Orange Money Web Payment (Mobile Money Gateway)
Company & Website: Orange Botswana – Orange Money is the mobile money service run by Orange. While known for transfers and utility payments, they also offer a Web Payment solution for e-commerce. Merchants can accept BWP payments from Orange Money wallets via direct integration.
BWP Checkout & Settlement:
Yes – exclusively in BWP. All Orange Money wallets are in Pula. Merchant funds are received in their Orange Money account, then transferred to bank.
Payment Methods Accepted:
Only Orange Money (mobile wallet). Customer enters their Orange-linked phone number and completes payment via USSD or app prompt.
Integration Options:
- API: Orange provides a developer API for website integration (USSD-based OTP confirmation).
- Plugins: Limited third-party plugin support (e.g., WordPress).
- Support: Integration guidance provided via Orange or partners like Weblogic.
International Capabilities:
Strictly domestic. Payer must have a Botswana Orange SIM with active wallet. Not suitable for international customers.
Pricing Structure:
- Transaction Fee: Estimated 1%–3% per transaction.
- Setup Fee: None known; apply at Orange store.
- Settlement: Funds go to merchant wallet; withdrawal to bank may incur transfer fee.
Merchant Onboarding Requirements:
- Visit Orange with company registration documents.
- Get Merchant Orange Money wallet with Merchant ID.
- Full KYC compliance required (IDs, certificates, bank details).
Strengths:
- Massive reach among unbanked customers in Botswana.
- Fast mobile wallet payments with secure OTP.
- Low-cost, no chargebacks, and instant settlement confirmation.
- Good for local B2C merchants and mobile-first markets.
Limitations:
- Orange-only user base (excludes Mascom, BTC users).
- Multi-step checkout flow may confuse some customers.
- No support for card payments; must be paired with other gateways.
- Manual integration; limited plugin or dashboard tools.
Verdict: Orange Money Web Payment is a great local option for mobile-first e-commerce in Botswana. With low transaction fees, wide reach, and direct BWP settlement, it helps merchants capture more sales from Orange subscribers. It’s best used alongside card gateways to cover all customer types.
6. PayPal via FNB Botswana (International Payments)
Company & Service: PayPal in partnership with FNB Botswana. A useful option for international payments, though not ideal for local BWP checkout. Botswana merchants can link PayPal to their FNB accounts to withdraw funds in BWP.
BWP Checkout & Settlement:
- Checkout: Not supported. PayPal doesn’t support BWP for merchants, so prices must be listed in USD or other supported currencies.
- Settlement: You can withdraw PayPal funds via FNB in BWP after conversion.
Payment Methods Accepted:
- PayPal balance
- Credit/Debit cards (including international cards via PayPal Guest Checkout)
Integration Options:
- PayPal plugins available on WooCommerce, Shopify, Magento, etc.
- Hosted checkout or smart buttons
- API and SDK options for developers
International Capabilities:
- Supports 200+ countries and 25+ currencies (excluding BWP)
- Ideal for international buyers and services like Etsy or software/SaaS
Fees & Pricing:
- PayPal: ~4.4% + $0.30 USD per transaction + 2.5% currency conversion
- FNB: No direct fee but earns from currency conversion margin
- No setup or monthly fees for PayPal itself
Merchant Onboarding Requirements:
- Create a PayPal Business Account
- Have an FNB account and register for the PayPal Withdraw Service
- Verification steps via PayPal and FNB KYC
- Typical activation time: 3–7 days
Strengths:
- Global reach and customer trust
- Fast integration and no monthly costs
- Multi-currency, multi-platform acceptance
- Secure and PCI-compliant
- Via FNB, earnings can be accessed locally in BWP
Limitations:
- No BWP checkout (foreign currency only)
- High fees and slow withdrawal times (5–8 business days)
- FNB account required for withdrawals
- No local PayPal support
- Not ideal for local buyers
Verdict: PayPal (via FNB) is a reliable tool for international payments, especially for merchants selling digital services, global e-commerce, or tourism. However, it’s not suitable for local sales due to the lack of BWP checkout and high conversion fees. Use it alongside local gateways like DPO or Orange Money for a well-rounded payment strategy.
Now that we’ve covered the individual gateways, here’s a comparison table summarizing key features of each:
| Payment Gateway | BWP at Checkout? | BWP Settlement | Payment Methods | Integration Options | Notable Fees | Onboarding Speed | Key Strengths | Key Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DPO Pay (PayGate) | Yes (multi-currency) | Yes (local bank) | Cards (Visa, MC, Amex, etc.), Orange Money, EFT, bank transfer | Plugins (Woo, Shopify, etc.); APIs; Hosted checkout | ~3% local, 3-5% int. + monthly bank fee | 1-2 weeks (bank approval) | Very comprehensive; multi-method & multi-currency; local support | More paperwork (bank req.); monthly cost even if low volume |
| Absa (CyberSource) | Yes (BWP) | Yes (Absa acct) | Cards (Visa, MC, AMEX, UnionPay) | Hosted secure form; API; (plugins via CyberSource kits) | ~3% cards (est.); monthly fee likely | ~2 weeks (bank process) | Bank-trusted security (3D Secure); direct fast settlement; local support | Cards only (no mobile money); must bank with Absa; no self-service sign up |
| Cellulant Tingg | Yes | Yes (any bank) | Cards, Mobile Money, bank transfers | Hosted checkout; API; possible custom plugins | ~2-3% (est., varies by method) | ~1 week (simple KYC) | All-in-one aggregator; mobile money inclusion; flexible with no monthly fee | Newer in market; support/documentation not as visible; primarily local use |
| Virtual Pay | Yes | Yes (any bank) | Cards, Mobile wallets (Orange Money, etc.), alt. digital payments | Hosted checkout; API; plugins expected | ~2.5-3.5% (est.) + FX margin if applicable | ~1 week (online signup) | Mobile-first easy pay; simple integration; likely low fees; global PSP reach | Less proven locally; brand not widely known to consumers; features still expanding |
| Orange Money Web Pay | N/A (Mobile wallet only, BWP by default) | Yes (Orange Money wallet to bank) | Orange Money mobile wallet | API integration (custom dev) | ~1-2% (est.) or flat fee; Pula 6 for wallet-to-bank transfer | ~1-2 weeks (in-person setup) | Access to unbanked users; low cost; widely used locally | Orange users only; USSD confirmation steps; manual setup process |
| PayPal (via FNB) | No (uses USD or other) | Yes (via FNB conversion) | PayPal account, Cards via PayPal | Turnkey plugins; PayPal hosted checkout | ~4.4% + $0.30 per txn + ~2.5% FX; no monthly | ~3-5 days (online + FNB link) | Global audience reach; highly trusted by international buyers | High fees; not in BWP at checkout; requires FNB account; slow withdrawals (5-8 days) |
Choosing the Right Payment Gateway in Botswana
As the comparison above shows, every gateway has its unique advantages. A balanced e‑commerce stack in Botswana usually combines multiple gateways—for instance, DPO or Absa for card payments (local + international), Orange Money or Tingg for mobile‑money users, and PayPal for overseas shoppers. Offering more than one payment option boosts conversion and trust.
Your Target Customer Base
- Local B2C: Focus on gateways that display and settle in BWP—Orange Money, Tingg, DPO, Absa.
- Tourists / Global Buyers: Ensure you have international card acceptance (DPO, Absa) and PayPal.
Currency Support
Choose gateways that support BWP pricing or at least settle in BWP to avoid FX losses. All local gateways do this; PayPal does not show BWP at checkout.
E‑commerce Platform Compatibility
Verify available plug‑ins. WooCommerce plug‑and‑play: DPO. Shopify: PayPal is native; DPO appears as PayGate in some regions. Orange Money requires custom API work.
Transaction Fees & Costs
Typical Botswana fees range 2 – 5 %. Weigh monthly fees vs. pay‑as‑you‑go. Low‑volume startups may prefer zero‑monthly‑fee options like Tingg or Virtual Pay.
Security & Fraud Prevention
Look for PCI DSS compliance and 3‑D Secure support. Banks (Absa) and established PSPs (DPO) excel here; newer players also meet standards.
Integration Effort
If you lack developers, choose gateways with ready‑made plug‑ins (DPO, PayPal). Orange Money API may need an integrator.
Payout Speed
- Fast (1‑3 days): Absa, DPO, Virtual Pay, Tingg
- Slower (5‑8 days): PayPal via FNB
Support & Reliability
Assess local support. Banks give trusted but sometimes slower support; fintechs often offer responsive onboarding.
Scalability & Contract Terms
Check for volume discounts, rolling reserves, and lock‑in periods. DPO and fintechs generally have flexible, no‑contract models; banks may use annual agreements.
Suggested Combinations
- Option A (broad reach): DPO + Orange Money + PayPal
- Option B (bank‑centric): Absa + Tingg + PayPal
Test each gateway thoroughly and clearly display accepted payment logos (Visa, MasterCard, Orange Money, etc.) to reassure shoppers. Providing diverse, secure options reduces cart abandonment and positions your business for growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It depends on your needs, but a cost-effective starting point is an aggregator with no monthly fees. Cellulant’s Tingg and Virtual Pay are great because they support both card and mobile wallet payments.
If your site uses WooCommerce, DPO PayGate is a strong option with multi-currency support. Many small businesses combine DPO (for cards) and Orange Money (for mobile) to cover all customers.
For international buyers, adding PayPal—despite higher fees—helps due to its trust and reach. Overall, the best setup often includes one gateway for local BWP payments and one for international.
No. As of 2025, Stripe and Paystack are not available in Botswana and do not support BWP settlement. Even with technical workarounds, you can’t withdraw funds locally. Instead, use DPO, Tingg, or Absa’s CyberSource for similar features and local settlement.
Yes. All recommended gateways are secure and meet international standards:
– DPO, Absa (CyberSource), and Cellulant are PCI DSS Level 1 compliant.
– Virtual Pay is licensed in several countries and uses encryption + tokenization.
– Orange Money is protected by your phone’s PIN.
– PayPal uses encrypted checkout and fraud detection.
Use their hosted or redirect payment methods to avoid handling card data directly. Also, enable 3-D Secure to reduce fraud.
Setup Fees: Most gateways have no setup fee (DPO, Tingg, Virtual Pay, Orange Money).
Monthly Fees: Banks may charge ~P150–P300; aggregators often charge nothing.
Transaction Fees:
DPO & Absa cards: ~3%
Tingg & Virtual Pay: ~2.5–3% for cards, ~1.5–2% for mobile
Orange Money: ~1–2%
PayPal: ~4.4% + fixed fee + conversion
Other Fees: Chargebacks (P100–P250), refunds (some fees are non-refundable), and PayPal has a withdrawal/conversion cost.
PayPal + FNB: 3–5 days.
Virtual Pay / Tingg: Around 1 week.
DPO PayGate: 1–2 weeks (needs bank approval).
Absa (CyberSource): Around 2 weeks.
Orange Money: 1–2 weeks for merchant setup + API integration.
Start early and apply to multiple gateways in parallel to save time.
A chargeback is a reversal of a card transaction when the customer disputes it. It can happen for fraud or delivery issues. You’ll be notified by the gateway and can submit proof (e.g., delivery receipt).
Fees: ~P120 per chargeback is common.
Protection: Using 3-D Secure protects you from fraud-based chargebacks.
Mobile money (like Orange Money) doesn’t have chargebacks—you handle refunds directly.
Best Practices: Deliver with tracking, respond fast to disputes, and use fraud filters.
Too many chargebacks could raise your fees or risk account suspension. But if you follow best practices, they should be rare.
About Lephutshi Developers
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