3 min read
Kehinde
Product Marketing Manager
If you run a business in Africa, you already know that moving money across borders can feel like running an obstacle course. One delay here, an unexpected fee there, and before you know it, your deal is hanging by a thread.
For years, businesses have relied on “middlemen” such as brokers, third-party operators, or informal channels to get payments across. But here’s the truth: middlemen often slow you down, cost you more, and weaken business trust with your partners.
Now, imagine a world where you could send money directly to your supplier in Accra or your distributor in Nairobi instantly, transparently, and securely.
That’s what instant payouts are all about and it’s changing the way African businesses trade across borders.
The Problem With Middlemen in Trade
Let’s be honest. Middlemen emerged because of gaps in Africa’s financial and trade systems. With fragmented banking networks and limited interoperability, many businesses felt they had no choice but to go through a third party to move funds.
But middlemen come with a heavy price:
For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), these barriers are particularly damaging. According to the African Development Bank, over 80% of Africa’s SMEs struggle to access affordable and reliable payment systems, a factor that affects their ability to scale.
In simple terms, it’s the ability to send money directly to your trade partner in their local currency, with funds settling within minutes and not days.
Here’s why it matters:
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the WTO, recently put it clearly: “Nigeria has what it takes to lead Africa’s new era of trade if it tackles high logistics costs, develops efficient payment systems, and invests in value addition.” Payment efficiency is not just a “nice-to-have” — it’s the foundation of competitive trade under AfCFTA.
Here’s where instant payouts shine: they don’t just make payments faster, they make them safer.
Think about it: if you’re an exporter in Lagos shipping shea butter to Accra, the last thing you want is to argue about whether the payment actually went through. With instant payouts, your buyer pays in Ghana cedis, and you receive your naira instantly and securely. Everyone sees the record. Everyone sleeps better at night.
And as AfCFTA gradually lowers trade barriers, trust in payment systems will make or break cross-border growth. Instant payouts aren’t just about speed; they’re about building a backbone of confidence that lets African businesses scale.
So, how do you take advantage of instant payouts today?
Adopt digital platforms that are built for African trade like Brydge that support multiple currencies and instant settlements.
Verify your vendors and customers before engaging: Use payment platforms with built-in verification systems to reduce risk dramatically.
Think in local currencies. Let your partners receive money in their preferred currency; it builds trust and strengthens relationships.
Avoid “workarounds.” If you’re still relying on informal channels or middlemen, you’re exposing your business to unnecessary risk.
Middlemen had their place in Africa’s fragmented trade history, but in today’s world, where there are better alternatives, they have become a liability.
Instant payouts offer Africa businesses speed, transparency, and security they’ve never had before and the winners under AfCFTA will be those who adapt quickly.
Businesses that embrace instant, borderless payments will not only save costs but also earn the trust needed to expand across markets.
At Brydge, we believe in one simple truth: trade without borders begins with payments without barriers. With instant payouts, you can take charge of your transactions and scale confidently across Africa.
So the real question is: are you still letting middlemen slow you down, or are you ready to take charge?
Learn more at brydgehq.co.
