Best way to pay Chinese suppliers from Africa [2026]
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Take a look at the main methods African businesses can use to pay Chinese suppliers while protecting margins and staying compliant
Key takeaways
- African importers can pay Chinese suppliers through bank transfers, escrow on B2B marketplaces, international credit/ debit cards, and multi-currency accounts
- Bank transfers are familiar but typically slow, with FX markups and intermediary bank fees adding to the cost
- Currency choice matters — many Chinese suppliers prefer to be paid in CNH (offshore yuan) or USD.
- Local regulators set documentation requirements for outbound foreign exchange that must be completed before transfer.
- A multi-currency account lets importers hold CNH and pay suppliers in their preferred currency without an additional conversion step.
- World Pay from WorldFirst is the only authorised international payment provider for 1688.com — China’s largest B2B wholesale marketplace.
African businesses across markets like Nigeria, Morocco, Kenya and Ghana import heavily from China, whether its consumer electronics, fashion goods, industrial equipment and raw materials. Paying Chinese suppliers reliably, at competitive cost and within local regulatory requirements is one of the harder operational problems an importer has to solve.
In this guide, we cover the main methods available, the practical considerations behind every payment, and how the World Account and World Pay help businesses pay suppliers in China at competitive rates.
Popular ways to pay Chinese suppliers from Africa
Here are the top ways to pay Chinese suppliers from Nigeria and Morocco:
Bank transfers (T/T or SWIFT wire)
Bank-to-bank wire transfers, also known as Telegraphic Transfers (T/T), allow businesses to make a direct transfer from their bank account to the supplier’s bank account. But since the sending currency and receiving currency are different the total cost of transfer can include a transfer fee, an FX markup embedded in the bank’s exchange rate, and intermediary bank charges–all of which can reduce what the supplier receives.
International credit and debit cards
Some Chinese suppliers accept international card payments via payment links. You can also make card payments on B2B marketplaces like Alibaba. But keep in mind that some cards may end up changing high international transaction fees and markup. So if you will be making bulk payments using a credit/ debit card, make sure to check all the fees before moving forward with it.
World Card by WorldFirst is a Mastercard-powered virtual business payment card linked to the World Account. It can be used to pay suppliers on B2B marketplaces like Alibaba or wherever Mastercard is accepted. It draws funds directly from the multi-currency World Account.
Key features of the World Card
- Mastercard-powered virtual business payment card linked to the multi-currency World Account
- Accepted on B2B marketplaces like Alibaba wherever Mastercard is supported
- Suitable for other business expenses like Amazon seller fees, Shopify subscriptions, SaaS tools, and Meta ad spend
- No fees when paying in any of the 15 supported currencies, as long as you have sufficient balance held in that currency
- Funds converted from another balance at competitive exchange rates when the required currency is not held
- Up to 20 World Cards available from a single account at no extra cost
- Individual spending controls and real-time tracking for each card
Multi-currency accounts
A multi-currency account lets businesses hold balances in several foreign currencies, including CNH (offshore Chinese yuan), and pay suppliers in their preferred currency without an additional conversion step. This category suits recurring importers who want control over FX timing as funds can be held in CNH and USD over time and released to suppliers when needed, rather than converting at whatever rate the local bank offers on the day of the transfer. It also makes profit margins more predictable.
The World Account by WorldFirst is a multi-currency account built for businesses paying overseas suppliers. African importers can hold and transact in 15+ major currencies and send payments in 100+ currencies across 200+ countries and regions, removing the double conversion that typically applies when converting incoming foreign currency to a local currency and then back again at the point of payment.
Key features of the World Account
- Local currency accounts in 15+ major currencies, including USD, GBP, EUR, and CNH
- Send payments in 100+ currencies across 200+ countries and regions
- Receive payments without forced conversion to local currency
- Free and instant transfers between World Account holders
- Multi-user access with separate permission levels
- Xero and NetSuite integration for reconciliation
World Pay for 1688.com supplier payments
1688.com is China’s largest B2B wholesale marketplace and does not support international card payments. World Pay is the authorised international payment provider for 1688.com, allowing African buyers to pay 1688 suppliers in CNH using funds held in a World Account.
Once a buyer has funded their World Account in CNH and connected their 1688.com buyer ID, payments can be made directly at 1688.com checkout. The buyer keeps 1688.com’s buyer protection on the order, and no Chinese bank account is required.
Key features of World Pay
- Authorised international payment provider for 1688.com
- Pay 1688.com suppliers directly in CNH from the World Account
- Integrated at 1688.com checkout once linked to the buyer ID
- Buyer keeps 1688.com’s buyer protection on every order
- No Chinese bank account required to use
FAQ
Do I need a Chinese bank account to pay Chinese suppliers?
No. International buyers do not need a Chinese bank account to pay suppliers in China. Opening one is difficult for foreign businesses without a registered legal entity in China. Bank wires, multi-currency accounts and authorised cross-border payment providers all allow payments without a local Chinese account.
Can I pay Chinese suppliers in my local currency?
Most Chinese suppliers prefer to be paid in CNH (offshore yuan) or USD. Paying in a local currency is possible if the provider supports the conversion, but it typically involves an FX markup at the point of payment. Holding USD or CNH in a multi-currency account and paying directly in the supplier’s preferred currency is a more efficient route.
How long does it take to pay a Chinese supplier?
SWIFT-based bank wires typically take two to five business days. Multi-currency account payments using local payment rails can be faster. Payments to 1688.com suppliers via World Pay can be processed quickly once the World Account is funded in CNH and the 1688 buyer ID is connected.
What is the difference between CNY and CNH?
CNY is onshore Chinese yuan, used within mainland China. CNH is offshore Chinese yuan, used for cross-border transactions outside mainland China. International payments to Chinese suppliers are typically settled in CNH.
What is the best way to pay 1688.com suppliers from Africa?
1688.com does not support international card payments. World Pay is the only authorised international payment provider for 1688.com, allowing African buyers to pay 1688 suppliers in CNH using funds held in a World Account.
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.
Hu Wenzhan is the Emerging Markets Country Manager at WorldFirst. He brings expertise across Fintech, Payments, Banking, New Markets Growth to help clients grow their global business.
Hu Wenzhan
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