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Freelancing in Africa: Getting Paid Without Losing 30% to Transfer Fees

Payment routes, escrow and pricing your work.

The payment problem

Many global freelance platforms pay into accounts African freelancers cannot easily access, or convert at poor rates.

Escrow protects both sides

The client funds the milestone before work starts; the freelancer knows the money exists. Neither party has to trust the other.

Pricing

Price the outcome, not the hours, wherever the scope is clear. Hourly billing punishes you for being fast.

Common questions

How do freelancers get paid on Zuma?

Into a local wallet in local currency, released from escrow on acceptance.

What if a client refuses to pay?

Funds are held in escrow from the start, with a dispute process if delivery is contested.

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