Business payments to and from Africa in local currency
Most providers go quiet when you mention a naira, a cedi or a birr. We do not. Pay suppliers, partners and teams in the currency they actually use.
How do I send money in local currency to Africa?
You fund the payment in Canadian or US dollars through FinXtra, and your recipient receives the local currency, for example Nigerian naira, Ghanaian cedi or Ugandan shillings. Before you confirm, you see the exchange rate and a full cost breakdown, including any currency markup. Availability depends on the currency, the direction and the amount, and your adviser confirms it for you.
Who uses African currency payments
How payments to Africa work with FinXtra
African currencies need a specialist, not a script
Some African currencies are managed, restricted or volatile, and each country has its own rules and documentation. A provider that treats every currency the same slows your payment down. We work corridor by corridor and tell you up front what is possible, how the payment will be structured and what it will cost.
What to know before you pay in Africa
Corridors differ by country. A few points apply almost everywhere.
The currency list reflects what we can handle today. Availability depends on the route and the amount, and we confirm it for each payment.
African currencies we can handle
On these corridors, the provider you choose changes the cost
Banks and general providers often price emerging-market currencies with wide margins. Between providers, the difference in total cost of a payment to Africa can range from 2% to 8% of the payment amount, depending on the currency, the corridor and the amount.
The 2% to 8% range is indicative. It describes the difference in total cost between providers on these corridors and varies by currency, route, amount and market conditions. It is not a guarantee of savings.
Why businesses choose FinXtra for Africa
- Transparent pricing. A full cost breakdown before you commit.
- Access to wholesale FX liquidity, usually reserved for large corporations.
- 135+ currencies.
- Forward contracts and limit orders to plan around the market.
- A dedicated adviser before and after onboarding.
African currency payments: common questions
Which African currencies can I pay in?
We handle currencies including NGN, GHS, ZAR, ETB, TZS, UGX, RWF, MWK, ZMW, BWP, MUR, CVE, XOF and XAF. Availability depends on the route and the amount, and we confirm it for you.
Can I pay in Nigerian naira?
Yes, NGN is one of the currencies we handle. Contact us to confirm availability for your amount and timing.
Can I pay partners in Ghana, Uganda or Rwanda in local currency?
Yes. GHS, UGX and RWF are among the currencies we handle. We confirm the details of your corridor during your analysis.
Can I lock a rate in an African currency?
Forward contracts let you lock a rate for up to five years, but availability depends on the currency pair. We confirm it for your currency during your analysis.
Do I have to pay in US dollars?
Not always. Many payments to Africa go out in US dollars and the recipient converts. Paying in local currency may be possible depending on the corridor, and we confirm what is possible for yours.
How fast will my payment arrive?
In most cases a payment can arrive the same day. Timing depends on the time of day you book it, the currency pair and the corridor, which determine the payment rail used. We confirm the expected timing before you commit.
Are there account opening fees?
Opening an account is completely free, and you get full access to the platform.
Is FinXtra regulated?
FinXtra works with Ebury, which provides the payment and foreign exchange services. Ebury Canada is registered with FINTRAC, and all client funds are held with Ebury Canada in line with regulatory standards. See the regulatory disclosure at the bottom of this page for the US, UK and Mexico.
Payment and foreign exchange services are provided by Ebury under its terms and conditions. Availability of currencies, accounts and products depends on the route, the amount and your onboarding. Exchange rates move, so the amount you pay or receive depends on the rate when you transact. This page is general information, not financial advice.
Plan your next payment to Africa
Book a free 20-minute FX analysis. We review your payment flows and show you your options, at no cost and with no commitment.
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