Qifts vs Runa
Runa is a well-built global rewards API with strong coverage in the US, UK, and Europe. Qifts is built for Africa. Here is the honest comparison for companies that need to reward people across African markets.
| Feature | Alternative | Qifts |
|---|---|---|
| Primary markets | US, UK, Europe, Australia — global brand catalogue | Africa — 10+ markets with local currency, local brands, local delivery |
| Local currency delivery | USD/GBP/EUR-denominated rewards, currency conversion overhead | Native local currency per market — NGN, KES, GHS, ZAR, and more |
| Mobile money delivery | Limited — not a primary delivery channel | M-Pesa, MTN MoMo, Opay, Wave — mobile money native |
| USSD support | Not supported — assumes smartphone and internet access | USSD delivery for recipients without smartphones or data access |
| Informal trade coverage | Not applicable in primary markets | Specifically designed for informal trade retailer activation |
| African brand catalogue | Limited — primarily international brands | Local African merchants, grocery, fuel, airtime, and lifestyle categories |
| API quality | Excellent — mature, well-documented REST API | Clean REST API with webhooks, sandbox, and comprehensive documentation |
| Best for | Global programme with some Africa coverage | Programme primarily or entirely within African markets |
The verdict
When to use each
If your reward programme is primarily European or North American with Africa as a small secondary market, Runa may be the right starting point. If Africa is your primary or equal market — or if your recipients are in the informal economy, without smartphones, or need mobile money delivery — Qifts is the right infrastructure.
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Questions about which platform is right for you?
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