FIVESOM: the freelance marketplace built for Africa
FIVESOM exists because talented people across Africa have historically had to route their freelance income through platforms built for other markets, with payout systems that don't fit local realities. We built a marketplace where a designer in Nairobi, a developer in Lagos, a writer in Addis Ababa or an editor in Hargeisa can list a gig, get discovered and get paid in a way that actually works where they live.
One marketplace, many countries
FIVESOM has dedicated market pages for Somalia, Somaliland, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa and Egypt, alongside clients from anywhere in the world. Freelancers set their location and language preferences, and buyers can search by category, price or delivery time regardless of where a seller is based.
Joining as a freelancer
- Create a profile describing your skills, experience and portfolio
- Publish up to 2 active gigs at a time, each with clear packages and pricing
- Add sample work so buyers can judge quality before ordering
- Submit identity documents for a verified badge that builds buyer trust
How clients find and hire talent
Buyers browse categories such as logo design, video editing, web development, writing and app development, compare gig packages side by side, and message a freelancer with questions before placing an order. Requirements are collected upfront so freelancers know exactly what to deliver.
Escrow keeps every order fair
Payment is collected when an order is placed and held in escrow. It only reaches the freelancer's balance after the buyer reviews the delivery and accepts it, which protects clients from paying for unfinished work and protects freelancers from being ghosted after they deliver.
Getting paid across the continent
FIVESOM adapts payouts to each market — mobile money such as EVC Plus, Zaad and eDahab in Somalia and Somaliland, telebirr and bank transfer in Ethiopia, M-Pesa in Kenya, bank transfer in Nigeria, and local wallet and bank options in Djibouti. FIVESOM keeps a 15% commission on completed orders; freelancers keep 85%, and the minimum withdrawal is $20.
What clients hire for most
- Logo design, branding kits and social media graphics
- Video editing for YouTube, TikTok and weddings
- Business and e-commerce website design and development
- Content writing, translation and book writing
- App UI/UX design and mobile app development
Trust and quality signals
Every completed order can be rated from 1 to 5 stars with a written review, so a freelancer's track record is visible before you order. Ratings, delivery-time accuracy and repeat buyers all help new clients pick the right person for the job.
Frequently asked questions
Which African countries can freelancers work from on FIVESOM?
FIVESOM has market pages for Somalia, Somaliland, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa and Egypt, and freelancers from other African countries are welcome too.
How does FIVESOM make money?
FIVESOM takes a 15% commission when an order is completed. The freelancer keeps the remaining 85% of the order value.
Can I hire someone outside my own country?
Yes. Clients can hire any freelancer on FIVESOM regardless of country, and freelancers can take orders from buyers anywhere.
How many gigs can a freelancer publish?
Each freelancer can have up to 2 active gigs at a time, so sellers are encouraged to focus on their strongest services.