Freelancing in Africa has grown rapidly thanks to platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. More young professionals are turning to online freelancing platforms to escape unemployment and underemployment.
But the question is always the same: Fiverr vs Upwork, which one is better if you live in Africa and want to earn online?
The answer is not as simple as picking one platform. Fiverr and Upwork operate differently, and have unique advantages.
Both also handle payments differently, and this matters a lot to freelancers in Africa, where access to Payoneer and is limited.
To help you choose, this guide explores both Fiverr and Upwork in detail, from how they work to their payment systems, fees, opportunities, and challenges for African freelancers.
Fiverr vs Upwork at a Glance
Before diving deeper, here’s a quick comparison table of Fiverr vs Upwork for African freelancers:
| Feature | Fiverr | Upwork |
|---|---|---|
| Business Model | Gig-based (freelancers create services, clients order directly) | Client-posted jobs (freelancers bid with proposals) |
| Ease of Entry | Very easy, no approvals required | Moderate, requires profile approval |
| Popular in Africa | Yes, especially for digital services like writing, design, and marketing | Yes, especially for IT, development, and long-term contracts |
| Payment Methods | Payoneer, PayPal, Bank Transfer | Payoneer, PayPal, Local Bank Transfer (via Payoneer/PayPal) |
| Fees | 20% commission per gig | 10% service fee on contracts + payment processing fees |
| Best For | Beginners and creative freelancers | Experienced professionals and long-term projects |
Why Fiverr and Upwork Are Popular in Africa
Fiverr and Upwork are among the few freelancing platforms that support African countries without restrictions.
Unlike some gig websites that exclude freelancers from Nigeria or limit withdrawals in Kenya, both Fiverr and Upwork allow you to work freely and receive international payments.
They are also attractive because they give access to clients paying in dollars, euros, or pounds – currencies that stretch further in Africa compared to local earnings.
Another reason they stand out is payment flexibility. Fiverr supports withdrawals through Payoneer, PayPal, and bank transfers, while Upwork integrates smoothly with Payoneer and PayPal, both of which can connect to M-Pesa in Kenya or to African bank accounts.
This makes them reliable compared to smaller freelance websites in Africa that delay payments or only support options unavailable in Africa.
Most importantly, both Fiverr and Upwork provide opportunities for a wide range of freelancing skills for Africans.
On Fiverr, the most common categories are writing, graphic design, social media management, transcription, and voiceovers, while Upwork attracts professionals in IT, programming, virtual assistance, finance, and consulting.
How Fiverr Works for African Freelancers
Fiverr is one of the easiest freelance accounts for Africans to start with. Instead of applying to jobs, you create gigs (for example, “I will design a logo” or “I will write SEO blog posts”) and clients browse and buy directly.
Advantages of Fiverr in Africa
- Easy to Join – Anyone in Africa can open an account without approval.
- Global Visibility – Freelance gigs are listed worldwide, increasing chances of getting discovered.
- Beginner-Friendly – Even new freelancers with no portfolio can start selling small services.
- M-Pesa & Payoneer Withdrawals – In Kenya, you can withdraw payments via Payoneer and link it to M-Pesa, Equity Bank, or other local banks.
Disadvantages of Fiverr
- High Competition: Thousands of gigs in every category.
- 20% Fees: Fiverr takes a flat 20% commission on every order.
- Unstable Income: Work depends on visibility and client orders.
👉 For African freelancers offering creative services like graphic design, writing, transcription, or social media management, Fiverr is a strong starting point.
How Upwork Works for African Freelancers
Upwork is slightly different. Instead of creating gigs, clients post jobs and freelancers submit proposals with rates, and portfolios.
To apply for jobs on Upwork, freelancers use Connects, which are tokens purchased on the platform. This makes the application process more competitive, but it also means jobs are generally higher quality and better paying compared to Fiverr gigs.
Advantages of Upwork in Africa
- Long-Term Contracts – Many clients hire for months or years, making income more stable.
- Professional Marketplace – Trusted by big companies and startups.
- Diverse Jobs – From programming and web development to virtual assistance and finance.
- Payment Protection – Upwork has escrow and time-tracking systems that secure freelancer earnings.
Disadvantages of Upwork
- Profile Approval: Not all African freelancers get approved immediately.
- Proposal System: You need “Connects” (tokens) to apply for jobs, which can be costly.
- 10% Fee: Service fees on all contracts, plus withdrawal charges.
👉 For African freelancers with technical skills, IT experience, or long-term service offerings, Upwork can be more profitable than Fiverr.
Fiverr vs Upwork: Payment Methods in Africa
For African freelancers, payment methods are a key factor when choosing between Fiverr and Upwork.
Fiverr allows withdrawals through Payoneer, PayPal, and bank transfers. Among these, Payoneer is the most practical in Africa. Kenyan freelancers often connect Payoneer to Mpesa, while Nigerians and Ghanaians transfer Payoneer funds to local banks.
PayPal is another option, but in countries like Nigeria, PayPal withdrawals are limited, so it is not always a viable choice.
Upwork also supports Payoneer and PayPal, with an additional option of direct bank withdrawals in some African countries. Most African freelancers prefer Payoneer on Upwork because it is fast and reliable.
Here is a quick comparison of payment options:
| Payment Option | Fiverr | Upwork |
|---|---|---|
| Payoneer | Yes, supports bank and M-Pesa withdrawals | Yes, supports bank and M-Pesa withdrawals |
| PayPal | Yes, but limited in some countries | Yes, but limited in some countries |
| M-Pesa | Indirect via Payoneer | Indirect via Payoneer |
| Direct Bank Transfer | Available in selected countries | Available in selected countries |
The takeaway is that both platforms allow African freelancers to access their money quickly, but Payoneer to Mpesa remains the fastest and most reliable method in Kenya, while direct Payoneer-to-bank transfers work best in Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa.
Fiverr vs Upwork: Fees and Earnings
Fiverr charges a flat 20% fee on all orders. Whether you earn $5 or $500, Fiverr takes one-fifth of the amount. Upwork, on the other hand, charges 10%, making it more affordable for freelancers who secure high-paying contracts.
For example, if you complete a $500 project, Fiverr pays you $400 while Upwork pays you $450 before withdrawal fees. Over time, this difference adds up, especially for African freelancers handling multiple large projects.
However, Fiverr’s gig system can generate many small orders quickly, which still makes it attractive for beginners.
Which Platform is Better for African Freelancers?
The choice between Fiverr and Upwork depends on your freelancing goals.
Fiverr is ideal for freelance beginners in Africa who want to start quickly without worrying about approvals or proposals. It is especially strong for creative services like design, writing, and voiceovers.
Upwork, on the other hand, is better suited to experienced freelancers seeking long-term, stable contracts in fields like programming, IT, and business support.
In terms of earnings, Upwork tends to pay more in the long run because projects are larger and the fees are lower. But Fiverr gives faster exposure and is less intimidating for new freelancers.
The best strategy for African freelancers is often to combine both. You can use Fiverr to gain initial experience, build a portfolio, and earn quick income, then transition to Upwork for long-term professional growth and higher-value clients.
Summary Table: Fiverr vs Upwork in Africa
| Criteria | Fiverr | Upwork |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Entry | Very easy, no approval needed | Requires profile approval |
| Best For | Beginners, creatives, small projects | Professionals, long-term contracts |
| Fee Structure | 20% on all gigs | 10% on all contracts |
| Payment Options | Payoneer, PayPal, Bank | Payoneer, PayPal, Bank |
| Stability of Income | Unpredictable, order-based | More stable, contract-based |
Final Thoughts
For African freelancers, Fiverr and Upwork are not competitors but complementary tools. Fiverr helps you start quickly, while Upwork builds your long-term career.
Both platforms support Payoneer, which connects easily to M-Pesa in Kenya and banks across Africa, making payment convenient.
If you are just starting, Fiverr is less intimidating. If you already have experience and want stability, Upwork offers better opportunities.
