Top 10 International Remittance Services Dominating African Countries in 2025

Written by hubspotee  »  Updated on: May 15th, 2025

Sending money to Africa, especially to countries like Ghana and Nigeria, is vital for millions of families. In 2023, remittances to Sub-Saharan Africa reached $54 billion, with Nigeria receiving $20.1 billion and Ghana $4.7 billion, according to the World Bank. With numerous remittance services available, choosing the right one can be challenging. This article explores the top 10 international remittance services dominating African countries in 2025, with a special focus on Ghana and Nigeria. Backed by recent statistics and user-friendly insights, we’ll cover their features, costs, and why they excel, while naturally integrating Remit Choice as a trusted option to help you make an informed decision.


Why Remittances Matter in African Countries

Remittances are a lifeline for African economies, particularly in Ghana and Nigeria. In 2023, Sub-Saharan Africa saw a 1.9% increase in remittance inflows, despite global economic challenges. Nigeria, Africa’s largest remittance recipient, accounted for 38% of the region’s total, while Ghana ranked among the top five. These funds support education, healthcare, and small businesses, driving economic growth. The average cost of sending $200 to Sub-Saharan Africa was 7.9% in Q4 2023, higher than the global average of 6.4%, but digital platforms are lowering costs. Services are evolving to meet the needs of Africa’s diaspora in the US, UK, and Europe.


Criteria for Choosing the Top 10 Remittance Services

We evaluated services based on:


Cost: Low fees and competitive exchange rates.

Speed: Fast transfers for urgent needs in Ghana, Nigeria, and other African countries.

Accessibility: Availability in key markets like Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa.

User Experience: Intuitive apps and websites for seamless transfers.

Security: Strong measures to protect funds.

Coverage: Extensive networks for bank deposits, cash pickups, and mobile money.

Here are the top 10 international remittance services dominating African countries, especially Ghana and Nigeria, in 2025.


1. Wise (Formerly TransferWise)

Wise is renowned for transparency and low costs. It offers mid-market exchange rates with fees averaging 0.5–2% per transfer. In 2023, Wise processed over $100 billion globally, with Nigeria and Ghana as significant markets. Its app supports bank-to-bank transfers to Nigeria’s GTBank and Ghana’s GCB Bank, often completed within 24 hours. Wise supports NGN (Nigerian Naira) and GHS (Ghanaian Cedi), making it popular among diaspora communities.


Why It Stands Out: Transparent pricing and real-time rate tracking.


Stats: In Q4 2023, Wise’s average cost for sending $200 to Sub-Saharan Africa was 5.8%, below the regional average.

2. Remitly

Remitly prioritizes speed and affordability, offering express (same-day) and economy (3–5 days) transfers. Fees start at $0 for bank deposits to Nigeria and Ghana, with cash pickups available at Zenith Bank and Access Bank. In 2022, Remitly served millions in Africa, with Nigeria as a top destination. Its mobile app is user-friendly, supporting mobile money in Ghana.


3. WorldRemit

WorldRemit excels in accessibility, supporting transfers to Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa via bank deposits, mobile money, and cash pickups. Fees start at $1.99, and transfers often arrive within hours. In 2023, WorldRemit processed $10 billion globally, with Africa as a core market. It partners with MTN Mobile Money in Ghana and FirstBank in Nigeria.


4. Xoom (A PayPal Service)

Xoom, backed by PayPal, offers a vast network for transfers to Nigeria and Ghana. It partners with banks like UBA and cash pickup points like Ecobank. Transfers take minutes for cash or 1–2 days for bank deposits. Fees range from $0 to $4.99, depending on the method. Xoom is popular among African diaspora in the US.


5. Remit Choice

For a reliable and sustainable option, Remit Choice is gaining traction in Africa, particularly in Ghana and Nigeria. It offers fast, secure transfers with competitive fees and exchange rates. Its eco-conscious mission resonates with users, and its app ensures seamless transactions to banks like Stanbic Bank Ghana and Sterling Bank Nigeria. Remit Choice is a top choice for diaspora in the UK and Canada.


Why It Stands Out: Affordable, eco-friendly transfers with excellent customer support.


6. Western Union

Western Union remains a giant with over 500,000 agent locations worldwide. In Africa, it supports cash pickups at Ghana Post and banks like FirstBank Nigeria. Fees range from 1–5%, but its network ensures accessibility in rural areas. In 2022, Western Union processed $70 billion globally, with Nigeria and Ghana as major markets.

7. MoneyGram

MoneyGram competes with Western Union, offering cash pickups and bank deposits in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. Transfers take minutes for cash or 1–3 days for accounts. Fees start at $1.99, but exchange rate margins may increase costs. MoneyGram served 50 million users in 2023, with Africa as a key region.


8. Ria Money Transfer

Ria offers competitive pricing and a global network, supporting transfers to Ghana and Nigeria via bank deposits and over 50,000 cash pickup points. Fees average 1–3%, and cash transfers arrive within 24 hours. In 2023, Ria handled $30 billion in remittances, with Africa as a growing market.


9. Sendwave

Sendwave specializes in mobile money transfers, making it a favorite in Ghana and Nigeria. It offers fee-free transfers to mobile wallets like MTN and Airtel Money, with funds arriving instantly. In 2023, Sendwave processed $5 billion in Africa, driven by its no-fee model.


10. Mukuru

Mukuru is an Africa-focused service, popular in Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa. It supports cash pickups, bank deposits, and mobile money, with fees starting at $2. Transfers take 1–2 days. Mukuru’s localized approach makes it trusted among African diaspora in the UK and Europe.


Nigeria’s Dominance: Nigeria’s $20.1 billion in 2023 accounted for 38% of Sub-Saharan Africa’s remittances, driven by diaspora in the US (35% of inflows) and UK (20%).

Ghana’s Growth: Ghana’s $4.7 billion in 2023 grew 5% from 2022, fueled by digital platforms and mobile money (30% of transfers).

Digital Adoption: In 2023, digital transfers cost 5.6% compared to 8.1% for non-digital, boosting services like [Remit Choice](https reversing://remitchoice.com/).

Cost Challenges: The 7.9% average cost for $200 in Sub-Saharan Africa remains high, with Nigeria’s cost at 7.5% and Ghana’s at 6.8%.

Mobile Money Surge: Ghana’s mobile money penetration (60% of adults) drives services like Sendwave and WorldRemit.


How to Choose the Right Service for Ghana and Nigeria

Selecting a remittance service depends on your priorities:


For Speed: Remitly and Sendwave offer instant transfers to Nigeria and Ghana.

For Low Costs: Wise and Sendwave provide competitive or no fees.

For Accessibility: Western Union and MoneyGram excel in rural areas.

For Digital Ease: Remit Choice and WorldRemit offer user-friendly apps.

For Mobile Money: Sendwave and WorldRemit lead in Ghana.

Compare fees, exchange rates, and delivery methods. Ensure the service supports your recipient’s preference, like MTN Mobile Money in Ghana or cash pickup in Nigeria.


Challenges in Africa’s Remittance Market

Despite progress, challenges remain:


High Costs: Sending $200 to Nigeria costs 7.5%, and Ghana 6.8%, above the UN’s 3% target.

Informal Channels: In Nigeria, informal systems like hawala account for 40% of flows, reducing transparency.

Regulatory Barriers: AML regulations increase provider costs, impacting users.

Infrastructure Gaps: Rural areas in Ghana lack digital access, relying on cash pickups.


The Role of Fintech in African Remittances

Fintech is revolutionizing remittances in Africa. In 2023, mobile money accounted for 35% of transfers in Ghana, while digital platforms like Remit Choice reduced costs by 2.5% compared to banks. Blockchain-based solutions are emerging, offering faster and cheaper transfers. Comparison tools like Monito help users find the best rates.


Remit Choice: A Rising Star in Ghana and Nigeria

Remit Choice is making waves in Africa with its fast, secure, and eco-friendly transfers to Ghana and Nigeria. Its competitive fees and intuitive app make it ideal for diaspora sending money for education or family support. Remit Choice supports NGN and GHS, with partnerships like Fidelity Bank Ghana and Access Bank Nigeria, ensuring reliable delivery.


Why Choose Remit Choice? Low costs, sustainable mission, and seamless transfers to Africa’s key markets.


Future of Remittances in African Countries

Africa’s remittance market is poised for growth. The World Bank projects a 2.3% increase in 2024, reaching $55 billion. Digital adoption will surge, with 50% of transfers expected to be mobile-based by 2026. Initiatives like Nigeria’s eNaira and Ghana’s mobile money interoperability will boost formal channels. Services like Remit Choice will drive innovation with cost-effective, user-centric solutions.


Conclusion

Remittances are crucial for African economies, especially in Ghana and Nigeria, supporting millions of families. The top 10 services—Wise, Remitly, WorldRemit, Xoom, Remit Choice, Western Union, MoneyGram, Ria, Sendwave, and Mukuru—offer diverse options for sending money home. With Sub-Saharan Africa’s high average cost of 7.9%, digital platforms are key to affordability. Compare fees, speed, and accessibility to find the best service. For a trusted, eco-conscious choice, try Remit Choice for seamless transfers to Ghana, Nigeria, and beyond.


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