International money transfers to Africa are rising. There are good reasons for that. More people are immigrating to find better opportunities and it’s become even easier to send money back to family and friends at home. But choosing the right money transfer provider can prove to be a daunting but rewarding task. With the right choice of an online money transfer provider, you can save a high amount of remittance fees!

Now Africa has one of the largest number of immigrants totaling to between 20 to 30 million adults sending around $40 billion annually to their families and local communities back home. Nigeria reigns king as the top remittance recipient in Africa with Sudan, Kenya, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda, Lesotho, Ethiopia, Mali, Togo following suit.

Here, we list the latest options to send money home using international currency transfers (also called remittances) and smartphone applications. If you are living away from your home country or have migrated for work reasons, read on. These suggestions may help to save you time and bank charges if you wish to send money home.

Mobile phone usage is drivingmoney remittances

Mobile money remittance services are a genuine game-changer for those who are abroad (such as Diaspora or migrants and refugees) and are looking for a quick, convenient and simple service to send money home, especially to or from African and Arabic countries. Historically, banks have charged high fees but more recently, innovative and enterprising currency transfer companies have made migration easier with a reasonably priced service.

The worldwide market for currency transfer services is estimated at around $500 billion US Dollars per year, with the African proportion continuing to increase. Experts see this as linked to the growth of mobile phone usage.

Related post: Send money to Nigeria through 10 different ways

A peer-to-peer payment via a currency specialist can be made in cash, via bank accounts, using credit and debit cards (including prepaid debit cards) or via mobile transfer. Mobile-to-mobile payments use a smartphone app (without the need for a tablet or computer) and are becoming increasingly popular with economic migrants and foreign workers throughout Africa and the Arabic countries.

How to choose a remittance provider

If you are an overseas worker or expat property owner, you may have noticed that there are a number of money transfer websites, advertising easy transactions with a transparent process and charging structure. However, which site is best? A remittance service that may be the best choice for a business owner may not necessarily prove to be the most economic one for a student studying abroad at a foreign university, for instance.

Whether you wish to do a monthly money transfer or just occasional mobile-to-mobile remittances to send money abroad, the concept of a mobile money wallet that can be used to send money overseas is very much worth considering, not least because the fees are lower than a conventional international money transfer through a typical bank.

Broad range of providers

Some currency transaction service providers such as Western Union and Moneygram are long established. The newer start-up companies such as M-Pesa and Bitcoin have introduced mobile-to-mobile international remittances as well as other services, with applications available in the Android App Store or as a download from the website.

There are other recent startups, many of which are based in London and which offer mobile payments to send money abroad such as WorldRemit, Azimo, TransferWise, CurrencyFair, Xendpay and World First. These may also be worth considering as they offer foreign currency transfers to and from many countries, although some are not as suitable as others.

Conversely, mobile applications that are not suitable for international remittances to African countries include Dwolla, Google Wallet, PayPal, Square Cash, Venmo and Xoom. That’s because most of these apps don’t support sending money to African countries by default.

Finally, regional providers include Ooredoo, Sendwave, Useremit, Simbapay and the rising star Flutterwave .

Related post: Here are the 5 best ways to send money to Uganda

Transaction fees and exchange rates vary daily between providers, the countries involved and transaction amounts. Typical fees comprise a flat charge plus a percentage of the transferred amount.

Western Union & Moneygram These two well-known companies have dominated the market for years but are accused of opaque charging schemes and exclusive agency deals. Standard sender fees are around USD $10 with average exchange rates. There is no charge to the recipient and cash transfers are delivered within a few minutes.

WorldRemit London-based WorldRemit was founded in 2010 by Ismail Ahmed to introduce the gains of the new communication technologies to the international remittance market. Established as online service for people living abroad it focuses especially on money transfers via computer, tablet or smartphone.

Related post: How to send money home using Worldremit from home

All state of the art solutions for sending and receiving money online are covered by WorldRemit. And this service is available in the most countries of the world with significant low fees.

Azimo London-based Azimo has recently enhanced its payment services, advertising fast, easy transactions and good value for everyone. Serving over 195 countries including instant transactions to Nigeria, the company also advertises fee-free transfers (excluding SWIFT and credit card costs) from Ireland, France, Portugal and Finland.

TransferWise Backed by a consortium of innovative thinkers including the entrepreneur Richard Branson, TransferWise is another relative newcomer to capitalise on the widely held mistrust in banks. However, its charging structure is not suited for the African market.

CurrencyFair Offering better than average exchange rates, Currency Fair promotes a user-friendly interface and modest fees. Registration is simple and the company has headquarters in the UK, the Irish Republic and Australia. The company’s Dublin spokesperson reported an average of over $5,000 on each transaction.

Xendpay Authorised by the FCA, Xendpay advertise safe and cheap transactions including one-off transfers and low amounts. Debit and credit card payments are possible along with bank transfers, but not mobile phone payments. There are no compulsory fees or hidden charges; remittance senders are invited to pay what they consider the service to be worth. Over 215 countries are served, including the Seychelles and the Middle East.

M-Pesa

M-Pesa may be more useful for transfers of less than $1,000. Notably, the M-Pesa service from Safaricom not only works on smartphones but also on more basic mobiles, making the service more easily available to a wider range of potential customers. M-Pesa’s monopoly has recently been ended by Equitel, a money remittance company set up as a joint venture between Equity and Airtel and which uses thin SIMMS, a microchip installed in parallel with phone SIM cards.

Related post: Send money to Kenya through 10 different ways

Ooredoo Originally a mobile phone operator, this company is centred in Qatar with services focussed on the region including Kuwait – with mobile wallets, a shop network and self-service machines (QNB ATMs). Ooredoo also works with Moneygram to extend its global reach to 200 countries from an Ooredoo mobile phone, as well as to bank accounts in Kenya, the Philippines and Sri Lanka.

Simbapay This regional provider offers simple money transfer to the main hubs of Kenya and Nigeria with zero fees. Elsewhere, transfers are available into bank accounts for a low fee. The company uses mobile money wallet services such as M-Pesa, Airtel and Paga.

Sendwave This service has been rated as very useful for Ethiopia and East Africa transactions. There are no sending fees from the USA and Canada, and the web interface displays a live exchange price and comparisons with competitors.

World First World First has a minimum transfer amount of around £1,000 (or equivalent) and supports 121 different currencies with offices in the UK, Europe, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and most of the USA.

Finally, smartphone apps that are popular but which are not suitable for international remittances to African countries include Venmo, Xoom, Square cash, Dwolla, GoogleWallet and PayPal.

Which money transfer provider is the best for you?

Given all these new currency transfer companies and various mobile applications, which ones are best to harness this fintech (financial technology) and freshly thought approach? Most remittance senders look for innovation and fees that are more economical. Similarly, experience tells us that competition reduces costs, providing that quality and regulatory standards are enforced. The typical charge for standard old-fashioned services is around 8 per cent – and, even, double that in some parts of Africa Some money transfer corridors charge more than others to send money home – South Africa to Botswana or Mozambique to Zimbabwe is more costly than, for example, the UAE to Pakistan or Singapore to Thailand.

Once registration has been completed and your new account is open, you will then be able to explore the options available, consult the help file or follow any confirmation instructions you receive from your new provider to send money online.

This account is managed by the in-house team at Dignited, a collective of passionate tech writers, editors, and enthusiasts dedicated to bringing you the latest insights, reviews, and news on consumer technology. For inquiries or feedback, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] .

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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.

This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.

This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.

READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda

“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”

Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”

The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:

  • SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
  • Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
  • Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
  • Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.

Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.

The key launches included:

  • CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
  • MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
  • MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
  • TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.

Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”

“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”

Laury Bai, TECNO CMO

Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”

James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek

CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography

TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.

Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer

The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”

Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud

The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.

TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability

To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”

Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK

Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.

MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers

The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.

World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14

Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.

TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.

Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm

In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.

The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series

TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.

TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future

Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.

Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.

Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.

With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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