Accrue Detty December Report 2025
631 people
Ghana
Nigeria
Kenya
were surveyed to gain insight into how they prepare for “Detty December”—the infamous end-of-year festive season
86%
of people we surveyed are Gen-Zs and late millennials (18-34 years old)
Most respondents live in moderately sized households
37%
44%
07%
1-3 people4-6 people>10 people
Majority have at least one source of income
Only 4% earn above $5k/mo as total household income
Where does the money go?
Which of these December events will you participate in?
40%
Outdoor Events
- 40%
Outdoor Events
- 15%
Nightlife/Club
- 33%
House parties
- 13%
Wedding attendance
- 5%
Wedding hosting
- 30%
Religious ceremonies
- 25%
Travel
- 20%
Shopping for gifts & souvenir
- 25%
Dining Out
- 34%
Leisure activities
What will you spend on the most this year?
30%
Outdooor events
2024 vs. 2025
30%
Concerts, parties
27%
Spa, entertainment
25%
Travel
Concerts, parties
Spa, entertainment
Travel
4 Shopping for souvenirs
24%
5 Indoor activities
23%
6 Religious ceremonies
19%
7 Dining out
18%
8 Nightlife/Club
12%
9 Wedding attendance
8%
10 Wedding hosting
5%
How has your holiday spending changed in the last year?
Spending more
Same old
Spending less
How much is spent?
How much do you expect to spend on these events?
$100 - $200
Less than $100
$3,000 - $5,000
How much of your spending is expected from the abroad?
expect 1 - 10%
expect 11 - 30%
expect above 30%
Through what channels do you usually receive money from the abroad?
Mobile Money
Bank Transfer
Virtual USD Account
How long does it typically take to receive funds sent from abroad?
HOw much do you pay in charges on the funds your receive from the abroad?
Free
Less than 1%
1 - 5%
6 - 10%
How to make it work
Do you typically plan your holiday spending in advance?
Sometimes
Always
Rarely
WOULD YOU SPEND MORE IF PAID IN DOLLARS INSTEAD?
Yes
No
Maybe
WHICH COPING STRATEGY WILL YOU USE IF FUNDS FALL SHORT?
Borrow money
Get an advance
Sell assets
What this all means
Detty December is both pure joy and a significant economic force. Even as costs rise, everyday Africans still find a way to show up: stretching budgets, planning smarter, and leaning on digital rails to make the season happen.
DETTY DECEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT
So, as the holidays approach, we have a question for you: Will you be swept up in the Detty December spirit, or will you spend with your eyes wide open?
METHODOLOGY
Our research survey was a compilation of 631 responses, collected with explicit consent. To ensure accuracy and ethical standards, participation was limited to individuals who were 18 years of age or older and who earned a living through legitimate and lawful means.
We designed the study to capture real experiences and perspectives from everyday people actively using Accrue’s financial tools, reflecting a diverse community of savers, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and professionals across different regions.
CREDITS
Executive Producers
- Adesuwa Omoruyi
- Clinton Mbah
- Zino Asamaige
Writers & Editors
- Felix Akinnibi
- Alex Omenye
- Esse Udubrah
Designers
- Richard Adaramola
- Tema Omame
Engineers
- Gabriel Owusu
- Victor Sanusi
ABOUT US
Accrue began three years ago as a dollar-cost averaging app, before pivoting to cross-border payments because we discovered that moving money across borders, especially across Africa and the United States, was slow, expensive, and unreliable.
Our goal is to use our continent-wide agent network to remove the friction from sending and receiving money across Africa for individuals, students, freelancers, and businesses.
Today, Accrue enables 300,000 Africans send and receive money across Africa and the US.
WHAT ACCRUE OFFERS
Accrue is building the future of money movement with products designed for real people and real businesses:
Dollar Bank Account
A global USD account that enables users to receive dollar payments easily.
Virtual Dollar Card
Instant virtual dollar cards for effortless international online payments.
Dollar Savings - Earn Up to 7% per Annum
Save in digital dollars and grow your money. Earn up to 7% annually in competitive returns.
Accrue Business
APIs for developers and SMEs to collect and pay out 10+ African currencies instantly.