How to pay Chinese suppliers from Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana or South Africa
Most African importers pay Chinese suppliers in USD by bank wire, through Alibaba's checkout, or in CNY through a payment provider. Each country adds its own rules: Nigeria requires Form M, South Africa reports every payment with a BOP code. Whichever route, confirm the supplier's account name before you pay.
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China is the largest source of imports for most African economies, from phones and solar panels to textiles and machinery. Finding a supplier is the easy part. Paying them safely, at a fair cost, inside your country's rules is where importers lose money.
How do Chinese suppliers like to be paid?
| Method | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| USD bank wire (T/T) | SWIFT transfer to the supplier's Chinese bank | Established suppliers |
| CNY to a Chinese bank account | A provider converts and pays locally in China | Lower cost, if the supplier prices in CNY |
| Alibaba.com checkout and Trade Assurance | Payment through the platform, tied to order terms | New suppliers found on Alibaba |
| Letter of credit | Your bank pays when shipping documents are presented | Large orders, new relationships |
T/T (telegraphic transfer) on a 30% deposit and 70% balance before shipment is the most common arrangement. Some suppliers accept 70% against a copy of the bill of lading.
What are the rules in your country?
| Country | What applies |
|---|---|
| Nigeria | Form M through an authorised dealer bank for every import; see Form M explained |
| South Africa | Payments through an authorised dealer with a BOP category code and invoice |
| Kenya | No exchange controls; banks ask for invoices on larger payments |
| Ghana | Bank of Ghana foreign exchange rules; banks ask for supporting documents |
Rules change, and your bank's trade desk applies them, so ask before your first order.
How do you avoid supplier payment scams?
- Only pay an account in the supplier company's registered name. A personal account is the biggest warning sign.
- Check the company on the proforma invoice matches the company you contracted with.
- Confirm bank details on a call or video call, not by email. Changed bank details by email are the most common fraud. See invoice fraud and payment detail scams.
- For a new supplier, start with a small order or use Trade Assurance.
- Keep the proforma invoice, contract and payment confirmation together.
USD or CNY?
Many suppliers price in USD, but they convert to CNY at their bank when the money arrives. Paying CNY directly can save the supplier that cost, and some will pass on a better price. If you hold USD, compare the CNY quote with the USD price after your conversion. See paying suppliers in USD or local currency.
What do Incoterms change?
Incoterms decide who pays freight, insurance and duties, and when risk passes. FOB Shenzhen means you pay freight from the port. CIF Lagos means the supplier pays freight and insurance to Lagos. DDP is rare for imports into Africa. See Incoterms explained and how to pay suppliers in China.
Paying China with Rivet
Rivet's Scale plan holds CNY next to USD and pays suppliers in 120+ countries. A registered company can pay a Chinese supplier from its USD balance or convert to CNY in the same account, with the rate and fee shown before you confirm. Where your country requires imports to be paid through a local authorised bank, as with Form M in Nigeria, use that route for the import payment. Rivet's payouts handle the rest of your international payments.
Questions people ask
What is the safest way to pay a Chinese supplier?
For a new supplier, pay through Alibaba.com's Trade Assurance or a letter of credit, which tie payment to delivery terms. For established suppliers, a bank transfer to the supplier company's verified account is common.
Should I pay Chinese suppliers in USD or CNY?
Both work. Many suppliers price in USD. Some offer a better price in CNY because they avoid converting. Compare the total cost, including your conversion and any fees, for each currency.
Why does my supplier want payment to a personal account?
Some small suppliers use personal accounts to avoid fees or taxes. It is also a classic fraud pattern. Ask for an account in the company's registered name, and confirm it by phone or video call.
Do I need Form M to pay a Chinese supplier from Nigeria?
For imports into Nigeria, yes. The Form M is filed through your bank before the bank processes the foreign exchange payment.
Sources
William covers what happens once a company starts moving money: getting the business verified, paying contractors and suppliers abroad, and keeping card spend under control. William writes for the founder or finance lead who has to make it work this week, and links every rule cited to the text it comes from.
More from William Sunjo M. →This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and fees change; check the sources above and the provider’s current terms before you act on them.
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