How to become an MTN mobile money agent in Ghana?

Key takeaways

• MTN MoMo agent registration is free.
• MoMo agent registration requires a valid business certificate and a National ID (Ghana card).
• For easy and stress-free Momo agent registration, dial *5051# and follow the prompts.

Becoming an MTN mobile money agent in Ghana allows you to tap into the booming digital market. This article is a comprehensive overview of the process, requirements, and challenges of becoming a MoMo agent in Ghana.

The processes and requirements are also the same for when you want a merchant SIM. Agent SIMs are used by vendors whereas merchant SIMs are used by organisations such as restaurants and hotels for easy payment processing.

MTN MoMo agent SIM requirements

To ensure a smooth and successful registration, you must have a:

• Business certificate/permit

You must own a registered Limited Company before requesting an agent or merchant SIM card. You can get the business certificate from the Registrar General or a business permit from your district, municipal, or metropolitan assembly.

• Letter of application/constitution

Your company’s constitution can be used as proof for recognised organisations without business certificates. Likewise, if you don’t have a constitution or business certificate, you can write an application letter, and address it to MTN Ghana as proof of organisation.

• National identification card

You must have a National ID or Ghana card to request an agent or merchant SIM. This must be the business owner’s Ghana card.

• Brick-or-mortar permanent structure, mobile money booth.

After requesting the agent SIM, MTN will come for an inspection of your workplace or the structure to be used for the mobile money business.

Businesses under makeshift structures like kiosks, canopies, or umbrellas do not meet the standard requirements, albeit they are prevalent. For temporary and low-cost structures, get a mobile money booth.

How to become an MTN mobile money agent or merchant?

To become an MTN Momo agent, you can register or request the agent or merchant SIM card through online registration, USSD code, or by visiting the MTN office.

Method #1 – USSD registration

Here’s how to request an MTN MoMo SIM through USSD:

1. Dial *5051#.

2. Select Register.

3. Select your region.

4. You’ll receive an SMS from MTN with your reference number.

After successfully registering, you’ll be contacted within 72 hours, and an MTN agent will be sent to inspect your workplace.

Method #2  – Online registration

Here’s how to request an agent or merchant SIM card online:

1. Visit the Momo merchant application website.
2. Accept the terms and conditions.

3. Click on Sign Up and enter your phone number. You’ll receive a six-digit OTP code. Enter the code on the website and click on Verify OTP.

4. Enter your username and password and click next.

5. Choose a security question to protect your account if you lose your password. You’ll be redirected to the login page afterward.
6. Log in with the username and password created in Step 4.
7. Navigate to Request SIM and select Merchant (Momo Pay) to complete the form.

Note: MTN will process your request after registration. They’ll hold an online training session, after which they’ll arrange to issue the SIM to you. This will require a visit to the office.

Method #3 – MTN office registration

Another way to get an agent or merchant SIM card is by visiting an MTN office. Provide your business certificate/permit to the MTN agent. You’ll be required to fill out three forms, which include the following:

• Merchant/agent form: This captures basic information about your business: business name, registration number, tax number, type of business, etc.
• Merchant/agent account handler form: This captures the personal details of the agent, such as full name, date of birth, and place of birth.
• Merchant/agent agreement form: This outlines the terms of your partnership with MTN.

That’s it. Your forms would be processed and you’d be issued your agent or merchant SIM card.

Best places to start a MoMo business

The success of your Momo business heavily depends on the location. Let’s look at factors to consider when setting up a mobile money business.

• Competition: To set up a Momo business, make sure the desired area is not overcrowded with other Momo businesses. To promote fairness and productivity, MTN requires a 50-100 metre radius from other agents.
• Accessibility and visibility: Your Momo business must be located in a place with direct access to a road or a main street.
• High-traffic areas: Bus stations, universities, markets, or commercial areas are ideal for a Momo business because they guarantee a constant flow of customers.
• Safety and security: You should consider the place’s safety—examples are well-lit areas with a community police station.
• Closeness to complementary services: Positioning your Momo business closer to complementary services like grocery stores, ECG prepaid centres, and eateries can attract customers.

Challenges faced by MoMo agents

Momo agents face several challenges despite the lucrative potential of the business. These challenges include:

• Fraud and security issues: The pitfalls of mobile money businesses include fraud and scams, which have become very popular due to electronic money transactions. Fraudsters usually pose as MTN workers and scam momo agents.
• Operational challenges: Momo agents face day-to-day operational challenges like network downtimes that prevent transactions and overpayments.
• Liquidity management: MoMo agents usually have challenges maintaining liquidity when managing transactions. This includes not having enough cash and electronic money to service customer needs, especially in areas with high transactions.

FAQs

Who can become an MTN mobile money agent?

You can become an MTN mobile money agent if you have a Ghana card and a business certificate.

What is the duration of acquiring an agent/merchant SIM?

The process of acquiring a MoMo agent or merchant SIM typically takes 15 to 20 working days, depending on your readiness and how promptly your request is processed.

On April 17, 2024, we spoke with Grace, a customer representative at MTN’s toll-free line, who confirmed that the issuance of MoMo agent SIMs is currently on hold.

However, you can still proceed with the registration process and await further updates through their website on when MTN will resume issuing MoMo agent SIMs.

What is the agent commission for MTN mobile money?

MTN mobile money agents receive two commissions from MTN at the end of each month; one is for cash-out transactions, and the other is for cash-in transactions. Below are the current agent commissions for cash-out transactions.

• Below GHS 50: GHS 0.20
• GHS 50 to GHS 2000: 0.4%
• GHS 2000 and above: GHS 8

How much do I need to register as a Momo agent in Ghana?

MTN MoMo agent registration is free. However, you need a minimum of GHS 4,000 as a startup capital.

Final words

You can build a thriving MTN mobile money business in Ghana with the right preparations, guidelines, adherence to MTN’s policies, and strategic positioning.

For tailored assistance, contact MTN customer support by calling the toll-free number 100 or chatting with their bot, ZiGi, on WhatsApp at 0554300000.