Freelancing has exploded across Africa in recent years. More professionals on the continent now realise they don’t need to be in London or New York to work with global companies. A graphic designer here, a copywriter there — there’s talent everywhere. Africans are getting noticed.

But here’s the challenge: getting paid. More specifically, getting paid in USD.

Now, if you’ve waited weeks for a payment to land, lost money on terrible exchange rates, or struggled even to open a foreign currency account, don’t worry. We’ve all been there. In this article, you’ll learn why getting paid in USD matters, the common hurdles African freelancers face, and most importantly, how platforms like Grey can help.

Also read: High-paying remote jobs you can land without experience

Why African freelancers prefer getting paid in USD

Getting paid in US dollars isn’t just a preference for many freelancers — it’s a smart move. Here’s why:

• It protects your income: In countries where local currencies are volatile, holding money in USD can help protect your earnings from inflation.
• It simplifies global transactions: Most clients, platforms, and tools operate in USD, making it easier to pay for services like web hosting, software, or even your Netflix subscription.
• It increases your financial power: In many cases, a dollar goes further when converted at the right time — helping you save, invest, or spend more effectively.

If you’re working with clients in the US, Europe, or remote-first companies, getting paid in their currency helps streamline your workflow. This only works if you have the right tools to receive those payments.

Also read:  How to find high-paying clients as a freelancer in Africa

Common challenges with receiving USD in Africa

Receiving USD in Africa can be complicated, especially if you’re relying on outdated systems or platforms that weren’t built with freelancers in mind.

Here are a few common pain points:

• High fees: Some platforms take a big cut just for converting USD to your local currency.
• Limited access: Traditional banks in many African countries don’t make it easy to open a USD account.
• Delayed transfers: International wire transfers can take days or even weeks to land in your account.
• Poor exchange rates: Even when you get paid, you lose money converting to local currency through banks or third-party services.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. But here’s the good news: there are better ways to receive USD, and Grey is leading that charge.

Best platforms for receiving USD in Africa

Let’s briefly run through some options you might have heard of.

• Chipper is a popular choice in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Uganda. It allows users to receive USD, send money across borders, and convert to local currency.
• Pesa is another emerging option with a strong focus on offering virtual dollar cards and USD accounts. It works well for freelancers and remote workers.
• Cenoa is making waves as a dollar savings and stablecoin solution. It allows users in Africa to store money in USD and hedge against local currency inflation.

These are all helpful tools, but if you’re looking for an all-in-one solution tailored for freelancers and remote workers in Africa, Grey offers the most streamlined and reliable experience.

Also read: Where to find high-paying remote customer service jobs worldwide

Why Grey is the best way to get paid in USD in Africa

Here’s how Grey makes it easy:

• Free USD accounts: You can open a virtual USD account that works like a real US bank account. Send and receive money from platforms or clients without restriction.
• Multi-currency support: Along with USD, you can also receive and hold GBP or EUR, giving you full flexibility.
• Instant withdrawals: Get paid into your Grey account and withdraw directly to your local bank account — no delays.
• Favourable exchange rates: Convert USD to Naira, Cedi, KES, or other local currencies at real-time market rates, not bank rates.
• Perfect for freelancers: Whether you’re getting paid on Fiverr, Upwork, Deel, or directly by clients, Grey supports seamless global transfers.

Imagine completing a project for a US client and receiving your payment within minutes — no middlemen, no unexpected fees, and no currency panic. That’s the Grey experience.

How to open a Grey USD account in Africa

Getting started with Grey is super easy. Here’s how to do it in just a few steps:

Sign up

Go to the Grey website or download the app. You’ll need to enter basic personal details to create your account.

Complete verification

Upload your valid ID, a selfie, and proof of address to verify your identity. This usually takes a few minutes to a few hours.

Request your USD account

Once verified, go to the “Accounts” tab and generate your USD account details. You’ll get everything you need — including routing and account numbers — to receive payments.

Get paid

Share your new Grey USD account with clients or connect it to platforms like Deel, Upwork, or Payoneer. Funds will land directly in your account.

Convert and withdraw

Use the Grey app to convert USD to your local currency whenever the rate is favourable. Then withdraw to your local bank or mobile wallet instantly.

Pro tips for freelancers managing USD income

• Keep your earnings in USD if you don’t need to convert right away. This can help you save or take advantage of favourable exchange rates.
• Track your expenses and conversions using Grey’s dashboard.
• Negotiate payments in USD upfront with clients to avoid local currency limitations or losses.

Also read:  The easiest way to open an offshore bank account online for free

If you’re ready to ditch the delays, dodge the fees, and start managing your freelance income properly, create your Grey account today or download the app to enjoy inclusive global banking, designed for you to carry your dreams across borders.

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