Telecom
Remittance Services in Africa: What Businesses Need to Know
Remittances represent a major source of financial inflow for African countries. The United Nations identifies remittances as a vital lifeline for more than 200 million Africans. It notes that beyond supporting the lives and livelihoods of families in the senders’ countries of origin, remittances or cash transfers represent solidarity and symbolise the generosity and resilience of the African community on the continent and beyond.
In 2023, remittances in Africa reached almost $100 billion, equalling nearly 6 per cent of the continent’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and exceeding Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) figure of $48 billion.
Within Sub-Saharan Africa, key markets for remittances are Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and South Africa, with Nigeria alone receiving nearly half of all Sub-Saharan Africa’s remittances.
Remittance services are crucial for efficient international transactions, particularly for business involved in cross border operations. Remittance services facilitate the transfer of money from individuals and organisations to recipients in another country, playing a key role in Africa’s GDP growth and overall economic landscape.
Africa’s entrepreneurial sector and digital economy continue to expand rapidly. As such, the importance of efficient and reliable remittance services is increasing. For businesses looking to engage in cross-border trade, pay remote employees or manage international vendor relationships, understanding the dynamics of Africa’s remittance market is essential.
Current Landscape of Remittances in Africa
Africa is one of the largest recipients of remittances globally, with billions of dollars sent home each year by the African diaspora and businesses engaged in international operations. These remittances have significantly assisted in funding entrepreneurial ventures and stimulating regional economic growth.
However, the cost of digital remittances remains high, particularly in Africa. Research indicates that in 2023, the average cost of sending money through mobile applications to Africa was around 5 per cent, although it was lower in West Africa, at approximately 3 per cent.
The rise of digital technology, especially, is revolutionising traditional remittance channels like bank transfers and money transfer operators. Digital wallets, mobile money platforms, and blockchain-based solutions are emerging, making remittances faster, more accessible, and more affordable for businesses.
Who Are the Key Players in the African Remittance Space?
The African remittance landscape is populated by a variety of service providers, each bringing unique strengths to the market. From traditional money transfer operators to cutting-edge fintech platforms, businesses have a wide range of options to choose from.
Here are some of the leading players.
SeerBit
SeerBit is a Pan-African payment solutions provider dedicated to empowering SMEs and enterprise businesses by addressing barriers such as payment fragmentation and access to cutting-edge financial products, including remittance services. Known for its innovation and commitment to making payments simple, SeerBit ensures every business has the tools to serve their customers efficiently and scale their enterprise for growth.
Western Union
Western Union is a long-standing player in the global remittance market and maintains a strong presence in Africa. Known for its extensive network of physical locations, it offers reliable services even in rural areas, particularly where banking infrastructure may be limited.
WorldRemit
WorldRemit is a digital-first remittance provider, focused on simplifying the remittance process through its mobile and web platforms. It has gained popularity in Africa for its speed, convenience and lower fees compared to traditional players.
Sendwave
Sendwave specialises in mobile-based remittance services, focusing on low-cost, fast transactions primarily to African countries. It has become a preferred choice for the African diaspora due to its competitive fees and efficient service.
Flutterwave
Flutterwave is a leading African fintech company offering comprehensive financial solutions, including remittance services. It partners with global players like PayPal and Alipay to facilitate cross-border payments, making it a strong contender for businesses.
Challenges in Africa’s Remittance Market
Despite the growth and innovation in the African remittance space, several challenges persist:
Regulatory Issues: Strict regulations, such as Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements, can make onboarding clients a long and complex process. In some countries, foreign exchange controls and restrictions on cross-border transactions add another layer of complexity.
High Fees: While digital solutions are driving down costs, traditional remittance services are still notorious for high fees. For businesses sending large sums or handling frequent transactions, these costs can accumulate and affect their bottom line.
Slow Processing Times: Traditional channels can take days for funds to reach recipients, which can hinder business efficiency, especially when dealing with urgent payments.
Accessibility in Rural Areas: In regions with poor banking infrastructure, access to remittance services can be limited. Digital platforms are bridging the gap, but there are still challenges in reaching remote locations.
Banking and Infrastructural Limitations: Inconsistent infrastructure, unreliable internet, and limited banking networks in some areas can slow down or complicate the remittance process, particularly for businesses operating in multiple countries.
Opportunities for Businesses Using Remittance Services
For businesses operating in or with Africa, remittance services such as those provided by SeerBit offer several strategic opportunities:
Cross-Border Transactions: Remittance services simplify cross-border payments for businesses dealing with international clients or suppliers. This can include paying for goods and services, settling vendor invoices or transferring funds between subsidiaries in different countries.
Payroll for Remote Teams: With the rise of remote work, companies are increasingly using remittance services to pay international employees and freelancers. This approach enables businesses to hire top talent from different parts of Africa without facing payroll complications.
Vendor Payments: Efficient remittance services ensure timely and reliable payments, allowing businesses to maintain strong relationships with suppliers.
Regulatory Considerations for Businesses
Operating in Africa’s remittance market requires a keen understanding of the regulatory environment. Here are some of the critical factors businesses must consider:
Central Bank Regulations: Each country has its regulatory framework, often overseen by central banks, that governs remittance services. Companies must comply with local laws and guidelines related to cross-border payments, exchange rate management and transaction reporting.
AML and KYC Compliance: To combat fraud and financial crime, businesses must adhere to strict Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. These measures are designed to ensure the transparency and security of remittance services, though they can be resource-intensive.
Currency Exchange: Many African countries experience significant fluctuations in exchange rates. Companies need strategies to manage currency risks, such as hedging or using digital currency solutions that offer more stability.
To navigate these complexities, businesses should partner with experienced payment providers that have a strong track record in compliance and risk management.
What is the Future of Remittance Services in Africa?
The future of remittance services in Africa will be shaped by several trends.
Increased Fintech Investments: The rise in fintech investments is fuelling the development of innovative payment solutions that cater to the unique needs of African businesses. More startups are entering the market with niche offerings, targeting specific pain points like fee reduction and transaction speed.
Blockchain and Digital Currencies: Blockchain technology and the introduction of digital currencies are poised to make remittances faster, cheaper and more secure. Some companies are already using blockchain to bypass traditional banking networks, reducing costs and increasing transparency.
Integration with Business Ecosystems: Future remittance services are expected to integrate more seamlessly with other business tools, such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, accounting software and e-commerce platforms. This will provide businesses with more streamlined financial operations.
Businesses that stay ahead of these trends and adapt their strategies will be well-positioned to benefit from the evolving remittance landscape in Africa.
The continent’s remittance market is both dynamic and challenging, with numerous opportunities for growth. In a rapidly globalising economy, businesses cannot afford to overlook the significance of having a clear African strategy for remittance services. Understanding the current landscape, key players and the regulatory environment remain essential factors to guide informed decisions that enhance their financial operations.
Businesses can finetune their African strategy by exploring partnerships with trusted remittance services providers that align with their specific cross-border needs, ensuring they remain competitive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.
MTN South Africa, in partnership with Lynk Global, has successfully conducted Africa’s first satellite-to-mobile phone call touted as a groundbreaking development.
This historic trial, conducted in Vryburg, North West province, marks a major step toward bridging connectivity gaps in underserved and rural regions across the continent.
The test involved making a voice call using a standard smartphone connected via a low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite.
This innovative approach eliminates the need for traditional network infrastructure, providing a viable solution for remote areas with limited or no mobile coverage.
According to Charles Molapisi, CEO of MTN South Africa, this initiative aligns with the company’s broader strategy to extend network coverage to hard-to-reach areas.
“This achievement demonstrates our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to ensure connectivity for all, regardless of location,” Molapisi stated.
The trial also assessed SMS capabilities over the LEO satellite connection, proving the technology’s potential for widespread application.
With successful implementation, satellite-to-mobile communication could revolutionise telecommunications in Africa, enabling digital inclusion and economic opportunities in regions previously disconnected from mainstream networks.
This milestone underscores the growing role of satellite technology in Africa’s telecommunications landscape.
By integrating satellite solutions with existing mobile networks, MTN and Lynk Global aim to provide seamless connectivity that overcomes traditional infrastructure challenges.
Samson Aminu, also known as Smile, has described the Smart Treasure Investment Team (ST Team) as a transformative force that has empowered its members and significantly contributed to poverty eradication.
Samson Aminu
Aminu, a VIP 9 member of the team, shared his experiences on Friday during the official car presentation ceremony held at the regional office in Lagos. Having recently received a Lexus RX350 and an international vacation from the team, Aminu recounted how the organization has positively changed his life.
“The Smart Treasure Investment Team has really imparted my life positively and changed my status from zero to hero,” he said.
He revealed that his first earnings through the team allowed him to relocate to a new apartment and acquire gadgets. “I’ve purchased various items for myself and my family, and established an operational center in Ilorin,” he added.
The ST Team, according to Aminu, aligns its activities with the United Nations’ 16 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include youth empowerment, poverty eradication, support for education in rural areas, and community service.
“The ST Team has come to eradicate poverty in Africa and across the globe. We are teaching people how to catch fish by themselves and making them financially stable,” Aminu explained.
He highlighted the organization’s initiatives such as providing allowances to civil servants, feeding the elderly, orphans, and widows, and investing in agriculture to sustain local communities.
“If the ST Team lasts long for another three years, the government would be grateful to this project as it would bring peace and comfort to the society,” Aminu said.
He applauded the leaders of the organization, Dr. Harold and Mentor Tina, for their sincerity, honesty, and dedication to humanity. “I urge the government to support this project, which has brought significant change to Nigeria in just two years,” he said.
Aminu, who has over 15 years of experience in multilevel marketing, commended the team for its exceptional standards and sustainability.
Telecom
15-Year-Old Autistic Artist, Kanye, to Unveil World’s Largest Art Canvas on Autism Awareness Day
Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, affectionately known as Kanye, has become a beacon of inspiration for Nigeria’s youth. The 15-year-old autistic artist is set to unveil what is expected to be the world’s largest art canvas by an individual on April 2, 2025, World Autism Awareness Day, at Eagles Square in Abuja.
Kanye’s journey began at the tender age of two when he first showed a proclivity towards art. Despite facing challenges associated with autism, Kanye has flourished as an artist, earning accolades and the nickname “Young Picasso” for his exceptional abstract paintings.
The young prodigy’s attempt at breaking the Guinness World Record started in November. 2024, as part of the Zeebah Foundation’s ‘Impossibility Is A Myth’ project. This initiative not only showcases Kanye’s extraordinary talent but also aims to raise funds for a state-of-the-art autism resource center in Abuja, highlighting the need for greater support and inclusion for individuals with autism.
Kanye’s story aligns with MTN Nigeria’s recent “Go Make A Difference” (Go M.A.D) campaign, which encourages Nigerians to take bold steps and create positive impacts in their communities. Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, MTN’s Chief Marketing Officer, emphasised how Kanye embodies the Go M.A.D philosophy: “MTN’s mission is to connect people all over the world. Kanye is connecting art lovers, and people all over the world as well. He is a true icon, breaking barriers and proving that nothing is impossible”.
The unveiling event will be attended by key dignitaries, including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa. This high-profile support underscores the significance of Kanye’s achievement and its potential to inspire change.
Kanye’s father, Tagbo Okeke, stressed that this record attempt goes beyond personal achievement. “We started this awareness campaign to tell parents that no child should be left behind, that they are Fabulous, Autistic and Talented,” he said. The family’s efforts, including opening a gallery in Abuja where art therapy workshops are conducted, demonstrate their commitment to supporting others on the autism spectrum.
As Nigeria’s youth witness Kanye’s remarkable journey, many are inspired to make their own difference, regardless of the challenges they face. Kanye’s story proves that with determination, support, and the right tools – such as those provided by initiatives like MTN’s Go M.A.D campaign – young Nigerians can achieve extraordinary feats and create meaningful change in their communities.
Kanye’s upcoming unveiling of his monumental artwork is not just a personal triumph; it’s a powerful statement about inclusion, perseverance, and the limitless potential of Nigeria’s youth to make a difference.
SERAP Asks National Assembly to Drop Bill to Jail Nigerians who Fail to Vote
Nigeria Gets Fresh $500m World Bank Loan for Economic Stimulus Programme
Uninsured Depositors of Heritage Bank to Receive Liquidation Dividends In April – NDIC
SystemSpecs’s Subsidiary Deelaa Becomes Whatadeal
MTN, Lynk Global Make Africa’s First Satellite-to-Mobile Call
Telecom3 days agoIHS Nigeria Hosts Telecom Industry Stakeholders to Discuss Protection of Critical National Infrastructure in Lagos State
E-Financial3 days agoTitan Trust Bank Selects Oracle FSS for Core and Digital Banking Technology
General News3 days agoNCS to Launch Electronic System for Cash Declarations at Airports
News3 days agoSanwo-Olu Hails Jumia for Giant Strides in Growing Nigeria’s E-Commerce Sector
Telecom3 days agoMTN Champs Continental Relays: Over 1,000 Athletes Gear Up for Lagos Showcase
E-Financial3 days agoIMF Appoints Elumelu, Nigerian Businessman to Advisory Council
General News3 days agoAquaterra Energy Secures Multi-million-dollar well Intervention Contract with Intrepid Energy in Nigeria
Telecom22 hours agoMTN, Lynk Global Make Africa’s First Satellite-to-Mobile Call