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Getting Started

Let's now go through the necessary steps to get started with your MOALA API integration project.

MOALA API integration can be done in three ways:

  • Via our SDKs (Software Development Kits)
  • Via our REST APIs
  • Via our Payment Links

📡 Integration via SDKs​

An SDK (Software Development Kit) is a set of tools and code libraries that allows developers to easily integrate new features (in this case, payments) into a web or mobile application.

To function, an SDK must be downloaded and integrated into the source code of your web or mobile application, then configured to access the remote or local system for which it is designed.

Typically, access is granted through authentication using a username and password or an access token.

SDKs simplify the integration of new services by saving developers the time it would take to handle direct API calls and manage various possible responses and integration logic.

🔌 Integration via REST APIs​

An API (Application Programming Interface) using REST (Representational State Transfer) is a set of interfaces accessible via a URL on the web.

APIs enable integration between systems, offering more granular control over the resources they expose.

Indeed, APIs provide similar functionality to SDKs, except that with APIs, developers have full control over how messages are formatted, how responses are handled, and how integration is structured.

To use our APIs, you must authenticate using one of the following methods:

  • Username and password
  • Authentication token

🔗 Integration via Payment Links​

A payment link is a unique URL generated by a payment provider or aggregator. It allows a customer to make an online payment without the need for direct integration of a payment module into a website or application.

The steps to use a payment link are as follows:

The merchant creates a payment link via the MOALA interface or API.
This link contains key information such as the currency, amount, customer name, etc.

The link can be sent via SMS, email, WhatsApp, etc., or even displayed as a QR code.

https://api.moala.africa/pay?order=12345&amount=100&currency=XAF

3. Payment by the Customer​

The customer clicks on the link and is redirected to a secure payment page.

They select their preferred payment method (e.g., Orange Money, MTN MoMo, Airtel Money),
and confirm the payment by entering the required information (password or PIN).

4. Payment Confirmation​

Once the customer completes the payment, the aggregator notifies the merchant through a redirection to a confirmation page.

The merchant can then proceed with processing the order.