Launch Roadmap
Strategic timeline for go-to-market
Recommended Strategy: Phased Launch
✓ Start with Ghana (single market focus)
✓ Beta test with 50 users for 4 weeks
✓ Partner with Flutterwave/Paystack while getting own license
✓ Public launch after license approval (6-12 months)
✓ Expand to Nigeria/Kenya once Ghana is stable
MTL Application Filed
Blocks: Public Launch
Legal Review Complete
Blocks: Beta Launch
Banking Accounts Open
Blocks: Real Money Flow
PCI-DSS Certified
Blocks: Card Payments
Beta Launch
Blocks: Public Launch
MTL Approved
Blocks: Full Public Launch
Set production API keys for all providers
Run full testing suite - all transaction flows
Configure monitoring & alerting (email + Slack)
Setup automated database backups
Hire fintech lawyer for legal review
File Money Transmitter License (Ghana first)
Legal review: Terms, Privacy, AML Policy
Schedule PCI-DSS SAQ-A assessment
Open settlement bank accounts (Providus, Ecobank)
Allocate $50K-100K reserve funds
Get cyber insurance quotes (Hiscox, Coalition)
Hire & train support team (2-3 agents)
Finalize AML/KYC procedures documentation
Setup Sentry error tracking integration
Integrate UptimeRobot or Pingdom monitoring
Load testing (simulate 1000 concurrent users)
Penetration testing by third party
Beta launch - 50 users in Ghana only
Monitor beta: Track issues, gather feedback
Purchase cyber insurance policy
Complete PCI-DSS certification
Prepare marketing launch campaign
Public launch in Ghana (post-license approval)
Monitor systems 24/7 for first week
Daily compliance reviews
Apply for Nigeria MTL (if Ghana successful)
Scale support team based on volume
Flutterwave: Already licensed in Ghana/Nigeria - can white-label their infrastructure
Paystack: Stripe-backed, licensed in Nigeria - great for payments
Nium/Thunes: B2B partnerships for cross-border rails
Banking: Providus (Nigeria), Ecobank (Ghana), Wise Business (multi-currency)
💡 Strategy: Launch as "Powered by Flutterwave" initially, transition to own license
License Delays: Partner with licensed MTO while waiting (6-12 months typical)
Banking Issues: Have 2-3 backup bank options, consider Wise Business
Cash Flow: Maintain 6 months operating reserves minimum
Compliance: Hire part-time compliance consultant ($3K-5K/month)
Security Breach: Cyber insurance + incident response plan ready