How to Integrate M-Pesa Payments into Your Online Shop with WPfoss’ Plugin

In today’s globalized economy, offering diverse payment options is essential for expanding your customer base and boosting sales. For businesses targeting African markets, especially Kenya and other regions where mobile money dominates, integrating M-Pesa payments into your WooCommerce store can be a game-changer.
At WPfoss, we’ve developed a powerful plugin—available at mpesa.wpfoss.com —to simplify the process of adding M-Pesa as a payment gateway to your WooCommerce store. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to integrate M-Pesa payments using our plugin.

Why Integrate M-Pesa into Your WooCommerce Store?

M-Pesa, developed by Safaricom, is one of Africa's most popular mobile money platforms, with millions of active users across multiple countries. By enabling M-Pesa as a payment method on your WooCommerce store, you:

  1. Reach a Larger Audience : Cater to customers who prefer or rely on mobile money transactions.
  2. Increase Conversion Rates : Provide a familiar and convenient payment option that aligns with local preferences.
  3. Enhance Customer Trust : Show your commitment to serving African markets by supporting widely-used payment methods.
  4. Streamline Transactions : Simplify the checkout process for customers using M-Pesa, reducing cart abandonment rates.

Now let’s dive into the steps to integrate M-Pesa payments into your WooCommerce store using the WPfoss M-Pesa plugin.

Step 1: Prepare Your WooCommerce Store

Before adding M-Pesa as a payment gateway, ensure your WooCommerce store is fully set up and running smoothly. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Install and activate WooCommerce if you haven’t already.
  • Choose a responsive WooCommerce-compatible theme.
  • Add products, configure shipping settings, and test your store thoroughly.

Once your store is ready, you can proceed to integrate M-Pesa.

Step 2: Obtain an M-Pesa API Account

To accept M-Pesa payments, you’ll need access to Safaricom’s Daraja API or another authorized third-party service provider. Follow these steps:

  1. Register for a Daraja API Account : Visit Safaricom's Daraja Portal and create an account.
  2. Generate Consumer Keys and Secrets : After registering, generate consumer keys and secrets required for authentication.
  3. Get Approval for Live Transactions : Initially, you’ll work in a sandbox environment for testing. Once satisfied, apply for approval to go live.


Step 3: Install the WPfoss M-Pesa Plugin

The WPfoss M-Pesa plugin is designed to make integration seamless. Here’s how to install it:

  1. Download the Plugin : Visit mpesa.wpfoss.com and download the plugin.
  2. Upload the Plugin : Go to Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin in your WordPress dashboard, upload the downloaded file, and click “Install Now.”
  3. Activate the Plugin : Once installed, activate the plugin.

Step 4: Configure the Plugin

After installing the plugin, follow these steps to configure it:

  1. Access Plugin Settings : Navigate to WooCommerce > Settings > Payments and locate the WPfoss M-Pesa gateway.
  2. Enter API Credentials : Input your Daraja API credentials (consumer key, secret, etc.) into the provided fields.
  3. Add License Key : Enter the license key you received when purchasing the plugin from mpesa.wpfoss.com . This ensures full functionality and access to updates.

Step 5: Automatic Order Confirmation

One of the standout features of the WPfoss M-Pesa plugin is its ability to automatically confirm orders upon successful payment. Here’s how it works:

  • When a customer completes an M-Pesa transaction, the plugin verifies the payment details in real-time.
  • If the payment is confirmed, the corresponding order in your WooCommerce store is automatically marked as "Processing" or "Completed," depending on your settings.
  • You don’t need to manually update order statuses, saving you time and effort.

This automation ensures a smooth and efficient workflow for both you and your customers.

Step 6: Test the Integration

Before going live, thoroughly test the integration to ensure everything works correctly:

Adjust Settings : Make any necessary adjustments to improve the user experience.

Simulate Transactions : Use the sandbox environment to simulate M-Pesa payments and verify that orders are updated automatically.

Check Logs : Review the plugin’s logs to confirm successful communication between your store and M-Pesa.

Step 7: Go Live and Promote M-Pesa Payments

Once testing is complete, switch to live mode and start accepting M-Pesa payments:

  1. Disable Test Mode : Turn off test mode in your Daraja dashboard.
  2. Promote M-Pesa : Clearly display M-Pesa as a payment option during checkout and provide detailed instructions for completing payments.
  3. Monitor Performance : Regularly check transaction logs to ensure all payments are processed successfully.

Conclusion

Integrating M-Pesa payments into your WooCommerce store with the WPfoss plugin is a simple yet powerful way to expand your reach and improve customer satisfaction. With its intuitive setup, automatic order confirmation, and seamless performance, the WPfoss M-Pesa plugin ensures a smooth payment experience for both you and your customers.

At WPfoss, we’re committed to helping businesses thrive in the digital age. Whether you need assistance with plugin installation, customization, or ongoing maintenance, our expert team is here to support you every step of the way. Visit mpesa.wpfoss.com to learn more about our plugin and take the first step toward enhancing your WooCommerce store today!