Visa has announced the 22 African tech startups chosen for the fourth edition of its Africa Fintech Accelerator, a 12-week programme aimed at accelerating the growth and impact of promising fintech ventures. Launched in 2023, the initiative aligns with Visa’s pledge to invest $1 billion in financial inclusion on the continent by 2027. Since its inception, it has supported 64 startups and fostered nearly 20 active partnerships.
A Growing Track Record of Investment
The accelerator has already yielded tangible results, with four startups from its first cohort in 2023 receiving strategic funding from Visa, and two more from the third cohort recently securing investments. Participants benefit from business development support, mentorship, and partnership opportunities with Visa’s vast global network. The current edition will conclude with an in-person demo day, where startups will showcase their progress to potential investors and partners.
Diverse Representation Across the Continent
The 22 selected startups represent a cross-section of Africa’s vibrant fintech ecosystem. Kenya leads with five startups—Lemonade Payments, Muda, Sevi, ShopOkoa, and Twiva—while Nigeria follows with four: PressPayNg, Shiga Digital, Startbutton, and Vittas. Egypt (Flend, MNZL), Morocco (Hsabati, Woliz), and Zimbabwe (BigDot.ai, ChatCash) each contribute two ventures. The lineup is rounded out by Credify Africa (Uganda), IPT Africa (Mauritius), Maishapay (DR Congo), Motito (Ghana), mystocks.africa (Botswana), OKO Finance (Ivory Coast), and Zazu (South Africa).
Opportunities for the Next Cohort
Visa is already looking ahead, with applications now open for the fifth cohort of the Africa Fintech Accelerator. Fintechs operating in Africa with at least a minimum viable product (MVP) or a market-ready solution are encouraged to apply by August 15. The programme offers a chance to connect with industry leaders, gain operational expertise, and potentially secure strategic investment.
By selecting a diverse group of innovators from across the continent, Visa’s Africa Fintech Accelerator continues to build a robust pipeline of solutions that advance financial inclusion. With each cohort, the programme strengthens connections between startups and the resources they need to scale, contributing to a more inclusive, digitally driven African economy.