There’s something satisfying about completing a transaction. When the funds finally reach the destination, every party involved from poster to poster beneficiary, gets to breathe a sigh of relief and go home happy. However, what you don’t see is the discomfort here and the inconvenience there. For every dollar, euro, pound or even naira you send, there is a journey, and every journey requires care and caution.
In this edition of our “Meet the Poster” series, we’re revealing the real challenges Posters in Africa face when sending money to their friends, siblings, and children living in the diaspora. It’s a side of money transfer not talked about enough: the stress that is sometimes behind the send button.
1. The Exchange Rate Rollercoaster
Starting with arguably the most stressful factor: the constant fluctuation of the naira.
It’s no news that the frequent fluctuation of the naira places a lot of stress on the poster. One day, you think you’ll need ₦1.5 million to send $1,000 — the next day, it’s ₦1.6 million. For working-class Nigerians and small business owners operating on thin margins, that ₦100,000 swing can wipe out an entire week’s profit.
“I run a small printing business in Ibadan. The money was ready — I had the complete amount for my mother in the UK. Then overnight, the black market rate jumped from ₦1,500 to ₦1,600 per dollar. I literally couldn’t send the full amount. I had to call her and apologize. That choice between restocking my business or supporting her keeps me awake at night.” says Kunle a poster in Ibadan
The emotional strain is real. It’s not just mathematics, there’s a person on the other end depending on you.
HOW WE HELP: However, Kaoshi Swapstars avoid these losses because they know how to enable rate alerts. By enabling rate alerts on our site, you get notified every time a desired rate comes up and you send your funds. Easy and Fast!
2. Time; An Asset or Adversary?
There are a host of things that can constitute an emergency, and in those circumstances, time is rarely your friend. Posters often need to act fast. A sick parent. A student whose tuition is suddenly due. Rent payments that can’t wait another week. The pressure can be A LOT!
With that being said, you can’t afford to leave these things in the hands of traditional channels. They can be slow and oftentimes, unpredictable. Daily Transaction limits today, long queues tomorrow. Sometimes, apps that cause delays and unprecedented banking restrictions. The list is somewhat long.
“I missed the 4pm bank closing time once, and my sister didn’t get the funds until Monday,” says Nkechi, who sends money monthly to her sibling in Germany. “She was so stressed. She almost missed the rent.”
HOW WE HELP: At Kaoshi Network, we don’t just promise you convenience, we offer you speed. Because we understand how critical time is, we ensure your transactions process quickly, without delays of the traditional banking systems.
3. The Cost of Convenience Is High
When Posters beat the exchange rate fiasco and time their transactions appropriately, they are faced with another challenge, fees. Sometimes, they are forced to pay more than they can afford.
Data from the World Bank shows that Sub-Saharan Africa remains the most expensive region to send money from, with average costs hovering around 8.37%. Far above the global average of 6.2%.
That means for every amount you send, you incur outrageous fees. This is not just annoying, it can be extremely burdensome. You should always look out for rates.
HOW WE HELP: At Kaoshi Network, we offer transparent, competitive rates. What you see is what you pay. No hidden fees, no surprises.
4. Trust Is Fragile, But Essential
Many people have had their trust broken by failed systems and processes. Consequently, they have turned to informal systems or peer-to-peer platforms like ours for reliability or affordability. But even these peer systems require trust: in matchers, in platforms, in timing.
A single failed transaction can shatter that trust. When money crosses borders, especially during emergencies, caution is understandable but adds another layer of stress.
HOW WE HELP: We double check every transaction and implement robust systems to ensure your money moves safely from Point A to Point B without hassle.
5. The Emotional Labor No One Sees
Posters carry the burden of being a financial support system and do so often without support themselves. They don’t just send money: they send and represent reassurance and stability. When they can’t deliver, many carry guilt.
“I’m the only one working in my family,” says Mariam. “Everyone thinks I have money because I live in Lagos. But I send 30–40% of my salary to my brother in France. People don’t know what I give up to do that. I wish they were more grateful.”
This is why we shine a spotlight on these stories, not just to create awareness but to celebrate the important role posters play in supporting families across continents.
WHAT NEXT?
At Kaoshi Network, we are well aware of the issues that arise on a daily basis from these transactions and our primary concern is how to mitigate them. That’s why we focus on solving them through:
- Fair exchange rates
- Zero fees and transparent pricing
- Fast, secure transactions that don’t keep you waiting.
- Human support and complete transparency throughout the process.
Because when you’re sending your hard-earned naira to someone you care about, the process should feel empowering, not punishing.
Ready to start? Visit kaoshinetwork.com and sign up today. We’ll be waiting to make your money transfer experience everything it should be.
