PayPal Business account review Africa [2026]: Features, fees and more
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Can your business receive payments through PayPal in Africa? This PayPal review breaks down features and fees for accounts in Nigeria, Morocco, Kenya and Ghana
Key takeaways
- PayPal Business accounts are available only in Morocco and Kenya, allowing businesses to receive online payments
- Nigerian users can open personal PayPal accounts, but they can only be used to make payments online and cannot receive funds1
- PayPal is currently not operational in Ghana
- WorldFirst offers multi-currency business accounts supporting 15+ currencies for sending, receiving and holding funds
PayPal is an international payments provider that offers personal and business accounts for individuals and businesses in global trade.2 However, the features and account capabilities available can vary by country.
In this PayPal review, we examine PayPal Business account features, country availability, fees and payment capabilities across key African markets, and compare it with WorldFirst.
What is PayPal?
PayPal is a digital payments platform that allows individuals and businesses to send and receive payments online.2 It supports e-commerce transactions, invoicing, international payments and payment processing across multiple countries.2,7
Account availability and functionality vary across different countries:
- Nigeria: Only personal PayPal accounts are available in Nigeria, and they only support sending payments.1 Business accounts and receiving payments is not supported
- Morocco and Kenya: PayPal Business accounts are available in Morocco and Kenya, but they are receive-only2,3
- Ghana: PayPal does not currently operate in Ghana
Note: PayPal does not clearly specify which currencies are supported for sending and receiving funds in these regions
Quick look: Pros and cons of PayPal
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
PayPal business account fees: The breakdown
| Fee type | PayPal Business fees6 |
|---|---|
| Monthly fee | Zero |
| Opening a business account | Zero |
| Annual account fee | Zero |
| Receiving funds | 4.40% + fixed fee per transaction |
| Holding funds in multiple currencies | Not specified |
| Sending payments to other PayPal accounts | Not supported |
| Sending payments to other accounts | Not supported |
| Currency conversion | 4% |
| Business card | Not supported |
*Fees checked in June, 2026
How does PayPal work?
Businesses can create a PayPal Business account, connect it to their website or e-commerce store, and accept payments from clients worldwide. On the other hand, customers can make payments using their PayPal balance, linked bank account, debit card, or credit card.1,7
→ If you want to open a multi-currency account to send, receive and hold funds, you may also want to read about PayPal alternatives
Features of PayPal
Business account and payment acceptance
Sending payments
Business debit card
PayPal business debit cards are not supported in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and Morocco.
Marketplace and platform integrations
While you can connect an online store to a PayPal account, PayPal does not clearly indicate which e-commerce platforms are supported for integration.
How to open a PayPal Business account
- Create a PayPal Business account: Visit PayPal and select the Business account option
- Verify your details: Provide the required personal and business information for verification and connect your e-commerce platform if applicable
- Link a local bank account: Add the bank account where you would like to receive withdrawals
- Set up payment tools: Once your account is approved, you can enable checkout, invoicing, and other business tools to start accepting online payments
WorldFirst is built for global businesses
WorldFirst is a global payments provider offering multi-currency accounts. WorldFirst allows businesses to send, receive, hold and convert more than 15 currencies from a single account.
Multi-currency business account
Businesses can receive local and international payments through dedicated foreign currency accounts and manage multiple currencies from a single dashboard.
Marketplace and payment gateway integration
WorldFirst supports marketplace collections from 130+ global platforms, including Amazon, Etsy and Shopify.
Account-to-account transfers
Businesses can send money overseas to suppliers, partners and contractors from their Account at no cost.
Business payment card
The virtual business card linked directly to the account and supports spending in 150+ currencies. Businesses can create up to 20 virtual cards at no additional cost.
PayPal vs WorldFirst: Head-to-head fee comparison
| Fee type | PayPal Business fees6 | WorldFirst fees |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | Zero | Zero |
| Opening a business account | Zero | Zero |
| Receiving funds | 4.40% + fixed fee per transaction | Zero |
| Holding funds in multiple currencies | Not specified | Zero |
| Sending payments | Not supported | Refer to in-portal pricing. Vouchers may apply |
| Converting currencies | 4% | Refer to in-portal pricing. Vouchers may apply |
| Business card | Not supported | Zero for up to 20 virtual cards |
| 1688 payments | Not supported | Up to 0.8% |
*Fees checked in June, 2026
FAQ
What is a PayPal business account and how does it work?
A PayPal Business account allows businesses to accept online payments, send invoices and manage transactions through PayPal’s payment platform.
Is PayPal Business available in Nigeria, Morocco, Kenya and Ghana?
PayPal Business accounts are only available in Morocco and Kenya.
What fees does PayPal charge for receiving payments?
PayPal charges 4.40% + fixed fee per transaction for African accounts.
Does PayPal support holding funds in multiple currencies?
PayPal does not clarify if users in Africa can hold multiple currencies in their accounts.
Can I use a PayPal business account to pay suppliers on 1688.com?
No, you cannot use a PayPal business account to directly pay suppliers on 1688.com.
Sources:
- https://www.paypal.com/ng/home
- https://www.paypal.com/ma/business
- https://www.paypal.com/ke/business
- https://developer.paypal.com/home/
- https://www.paypal.com/ke/business/accept-payments/checkout
- https://www.paypal.com/ma/business/paypal-business-fees
- https://www.paypal.com/ng/webapps/mpp/pay-online
- https://www.paypal.com/us/cshelp/article/how-do-i-accept-cards-with-checkout-using-the-guest-checkout-option–help307
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.
Linna is a Senior Content Strategy Manager specializing in fintech, cross-border payments, and global ecommerce. With extensive experience in international B2B growth content, and global market expansion, she leads content initiatives that help businesses navigate cross-border trade, international payments, and digital commerce at scale.
Linna
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