Why escrow matters for cross-border trade
How holding funds in escrow protects both buyers and sellers on the continent.
## The trust problem in cross-border trade
When a buyer in Nairobi pays a supplier in Lagos, both sides face risk. The buyer worries about delivery. The seller worries about payment.
## How escrow closes the gap
Funds are held by a neutral third party until the buyer confirms delivery. This simple mechanism:
- Reduces fraud on both sides of the transaction
- Unlocks trade between parties who haven't built a relationship yet
- Provides a structured path for dispute resolution
On Intra-Africa, escrow is built into every transaction by default.