How to receive money from abroad as a freelancer in Africa

A look at the main ways African freelancers can receive international payments, the fees that eat into every payout, and how to keep more of what you earn

Key takeaways

• African freelancers typically receive international payments through bank wires, payment gateways or multi-currency accounts, and each method comes with a different fee structure and processing time
• Bank wires through the SWIFT network are widely accepted but involve sending fees, intermediary deductions and forced conversion into local currency on arrival
• Payment gateways make it easy for clients to pay, but transaction fees and platform conversion spreads reduce what actually lands in the freelancer’s account
• A multi-currency account lets freelancers hold earnings in USD, GBP or EUR and convert on their own timing, rather than accepting whatever rate applies on the day the funds arrive
• A World Account gives freelancers local bank details in 15+ currencies, and there is no charge when funds arrive into any of them

Whether it’s a design project billed through Upwork, a writing gig paid through Fiverr, or a consulting engagement invoiced directly to a client in the US, freelancers across Africa are doing international work every day.

But getting the money home can be a huge challenge as freelancers may have to deal with

with bank charges, intermediary deductions, conversion spreads and processing delays. For freelancers in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Morocco and across the continent, those costs are one of the biggest recurring drains on international earnings.

This guide covers the main ways to receive money from abroad, what each method actually costs, and how African freelancers can structure their payment setup to hold onto more of their earnings.

Three main ways to receive international payments

1. Bank wire transfers

Bank wires move funds electronically from the client’s bank to the freelancer’s business bank account or foreign currency account through the SWIFT messaging network. The client needs the freelancer’s account number, a SWIFT/BIC code and, for certain corridors, an IBAN to initiate the transfer.

What works well: Bank wires are widely recognised by international clients, provide a clear audit trail and are suitable for large one-off payments from long-term clients.

What to watch for: Most local banks charge a receiving fee plus a separate conversion fee. Intermediary banks in the SWIFT chain may deduct additional charges before the funds arrive. Foreign currency is typically auto-converted to local currency on arrival, with no control over timing or rate. Processing takes three to seven business days.

2. Payment gateways

Payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe sit between the client and the freelancer. The client pays through a card or digital wallet, the gateway processes the transaction, and the freelancer’s earnings sit inside the gateway until withdrawn to a linked bank account or multi-currency account.

What works well: Easy for international clients to pay without needing bank details. Useful for freelancers who invoice clients directly through a website or payment link. Payments can be initiated quickly.

What to watch for: Transaction fees apply on every payment received. Gateways may apply their own FX conversion spread on top of the transaction fee. Funds can be held for several days before withdrawal.

3. Multi-currency accounts

With a multi-currency account, a freelancer can receive, hold and send money overseas in several currencies from one online dashboard. The account generates local bank details for each supported currency, so a US client paying in USD sees what looks like a domestic US transfer, even though the freelancer is based in Lagos or Nairobi.

What works well: Some providers charge no fees on incoming funds. Freelancers can hold earnings in the original currency and convert on their own terms.

What to watch for: Provider availability varies across African countries, so freelancers should confirm that the provider they choose supports onboarding from their specific market.

How to receive international payments with the World Account

The World Account is a multi-currency account from WorldFirst, an international payments provider. Through the World Account, freelancers can open local currency receiving accounts in 15+ major currencies, including USD, GBP, EUR, CNH, AUD and others, and receive payments with local bank details that clients and platforms treat as domestic.

Key features for African freelancers:

• No receiving fees: Whether it’s a USD 50 Fiverr payout or a USD 5,000 client invoice, the World Account does not charge a fee when funds land in any of the supported currency accounts.
• Hold funds instead of converting on receipt: Keep earnings in USD, GBP or EUR until the exchange rate works in your favour, or use the collected funds to make direct payments to suppliers, contractors or service providers.
• The World Card for international spending: The World Card is a Mastercard-powered business payment card linked to the World Account. Freelancers can use it to pay for SaaS subscriptions, advertising platforms, hosting services and other business tools billed in foreign currencies. Up to 20 virtual cards are available at no additional cost. No fees apply when paying in any of the 15 supported currencies (with sufficient balance held in that currency). Cashback is available on eligible spending (Terms and Conditions Apply).
• Withdraw to a local bank account: When earnings need to come home, withdraw from the World Account to a local bank account through the dashboard.

Here’s how to setup a World Account and receive money from abroad

1. Register online: Head to the WorldFirst website and fill in the application with your name, contact information and business or freelance registration details
2. Submit documentation: Upload proof of identity (passport or national ID) and, where applicable, proof of business or freelance registration. If anyone owns 25% or more of the business, their details must be disclosed
3. Verification: WorldFirst reviews the application. Verification is typically completed within a few business days.
4. Activate currency accounts: Once approved, log in to the World Account dashboard and create local currency receiving accounts in USD, GBP, EUR or any of the 15+ supported currencies.
5. Share account details with clients and platforms: Add the relevant currency account details to freelance platforms or share them directly with clients. Funds will be deposited as if sent to a local account
6. Manage your funds: Hold earnings in the original currency, convert to another currency at competitive rates, pay suppliers or subscriptions from the same account, or withdraw to a local bank account whenever it suits

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or professional advice. This article should not be regarded as constituting an offer or a solicitation to buy or sell any regulated or financial products or services. WorldFirst makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the content, and readers are encouraged to consult with legal professionals or other professionals for advice tailored to their specific situation. WorldFirst does not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of this article and expressly disclaims any and all liability to any person in respect of the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done wholly or partly in reliance on this article.