Visa has opened applications for the fifth cohort of its Africa Fintech Accelerator, a three-month program designed to propel high-potential fintech startups across Africa.
Launched in 2023, this initiative is a cornerstone of Visa’s $1 billion pledge to advance Africa’s digital transformation and financial inclusion by 2027.
With a proven track record of empowering startups, the program offers mentorship, access to cutting-edge technology, industry connections, and funding opportunities, positioning it as a catalyst for Africa’s fintech ecosystem.
A Proven Platform for Growth
Since its inception, the Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator has supported over 60 startups across four cohorts, nurturing nearly 20 active partnerships and securing strategic investments for six ventures, including four from the inaugural 2023 cohort and two from the third cohort.
Notable graduates like Oze (Ghana), Workpay (Kenya), OkHi (Nigeria), and ORDA (Nigeria) have leveraged Visa’s resources to scale innovative solutions in embedded finance, payroll, digital addressing, and restaurant software.
The program’s impact is evident in its diversity and reach. The second cohort alone included 22 startups from 28 African countries, with 65% featuring female leadership, rising to 85% in the third cohort.
This commitment to inclusivity aligns with Visa’s mission to uplift diverse entrepreneurs addressing critical challenges in financial inclusion, access to credit, and digital transformation.
READ ALSO:Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator Marks Growth with Third Cohort of 19 startups
What the Fifth Cohort Offers
The fifth cohort, set to begin later in 2025, invites early- and growth-stage fintechs (Seed to Series A) with a minimum viable product (MVP) or market-ready solutions.
Eligible startups should operate in Africa or demonstrate a commitment to expand into African markets, focusing on key areas such as
- Unlocking New Payment Flows: Digitising cash-intensive transactions for P2P, B2C, B2B, and G2C payments.
- Embedded Finance: Integrating financial services into non-financial platforms.
- Empowering Merchants & SMEs: Offering omnichannel payments, BNPL, and working capital solutions.
- Payment Infrastructure: Enhancing authentication, KYC, credit scoring, and payment processing.
- Future of Finance: Leveraging AI, blockchain, and programmable money.
- Sustainable & Inclusive Finance: Serving underserved communities with accessible financial solutions.
Selected startups will benefit from:
- Tailored Mentorship: One-on-one guidance from Visa executives and industry experts.
- Global Network Access: Connections to Visa’s partners, clients, and investors.
- Technical Resources: Tools and expertise from Visa’s developer portal to enhance products.
- Funding Opportunities: Potential investments from Visa, Plug and Play, and regional/global VCs, with up to 50% of cohort participants historically considered for funding.
- Demo Day: A platform to pitch to investors and industry leaders, with Visa covering travel costs for one founder per startup.
The program is delivered in a hybrid format, including virtual training, investor weeks, and an in-person Demo Day. Participation is free, though startups cover visa and flight expenses.
Why It Matters
Africa’s fintech sector is booming, with the financial services market projected to reach $230 billion by 2025, growing at 10% annually.
Visa’s accelerator addresses critical gaps in financial inclusion, where over 400 million adults remain unbanked.
By supporting startups tackling payments, lending, digital banking, financial literacy, and cross-border commerce, the program drives economic empowerment and innovation.
Leila Serhan, Visa’s Senior Vice President for North Africa, Levant, and Pakistan, stated, “Visa’s Africa Fintech Accelerator is a platform for transformation, supporting fintech leaders building inclusive, scalable solutions for real-world financial challenges.”
READ ALSO:Visa Announces Key Investments in African Fintech Accelerator Alumni
How to Apply
Applications for the fifth cohort are open until August 15, 2025, via the Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator portal. Applicants undergo two screening rounds, followed by virtual interviews, ensuring alignment with Visa’s focus areas and market traction.
A Call to Africa’s Fintech Innovators
The Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator is more than a programme; it’s a launchpad for startups shaping the future of finance in Africa.
With its robust support system and strategic investments, the fifth cohort offers a unique opportunity for fintechs to scale and drive meaningful impact. Apply now to join the ranks of Africa’s fintech pioneers.
Ronnie Paul is a seasoned writer and analyst with a prolific portfolio of over 1,000 published articles, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency, and digital finance at Africa Digest News.
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