Visa, a global leader in digital payments, has officially opened applications for the fifth edition of its Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator. Inviting fintech startups from across the continent to apply by August 15.
22 startups selected for cohort 4
At the same time, the company announced the 22 startups selected for the fourth cohort. Therefore, represents 12 African countries and offers cutting-edge solutions across various segments of the financial technology space.
The 12-week virtual program provides participants with intensive training, mentorship from industry leaders, strategic networking opportunities, and access to investors and potential partners.
However, the initiative aligns with Visa’s $1 billion commitment to supporting Africa’s digital transformation and financial inclusion through innovation, infrastructure, and access to capital by 2027.
Startups eligible for the fifth cohort must have a minimum viable product (MVP) or a market-ready solution and be based in Africa.
Selected companies will benefit from tailored support designed to accelerate their growth. Culminating in a high-profile Demo Day where they will pitch to venture capitalists, angel investors, and ecosystem partners.
Program impact since launch
Since the Accelerator’s launch in 2023, Visa has supported 64 startups from 17 countries, with participants operating in 31 markets. These startups have collectively generated over $3 million in revenue during the program and gone on to raise more than $55 million in additional funding. Impressively, 62% of the startups had women in leadership positions.
Visa’s vision for inclusive innovation
Announcing the new cohort, Chad Pollock, General Manager and Vice President for Visa East Africa, stated:
“Visa is committed to fostering innovation and inclusion within Africa’s fintech ecosystem. As digital transformation accelerates, we’re proud to support emerging startups that are solving real challenges and building a more inclusive digital economy.”
The 22 startups in Cohort 4 offer solutions in small and medium business (SMB) digitisation, lending, cross-border payments, AI-driven financial services, payroll management, business-to-business (B2B) payments, neo-banking, climate insurance, and social commerce.
Some notable startups in the fourth cohort include:
Woliz (Morocco): A fintech ecosystem transforming nano-stores into digital hubs with loyalty rewards, payment options, and AI-powered operations.
Zazu (South Africa): A neobank tailored for African SMBs, offering integrated digital accounts, expense tracking, invoicing, and bookkeeping tools.
The Accelerator continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening Africa’s fintech space, creating platforms for scalable innovation, and opening pathways to investment and partnership.
Startups interested in applying for the fifth cohort can do so via Visa’s official program website before the August 15 deadline.