Visa has officially opened applications for the fifth cohort of its Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator, a flagship 12-week virtual programme designed to propel high-potential African fintech startups to the next stage of growth.
This initiative, which began in 2023, is part of Visa’s broader commitment to Africa’s digital economy, including a pledge to invest $1 billion on the continent by 2027. The accelerator targets startups with either a minimum viable product (MVP) or a market-ready solution, offering them critical tools for success in an increasingly competitive fintech landscape.
Applications for Cohort 5 are now open and will close on August 15, 2025.
Supporting Africa’s Next Fintech Leaders
The Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator is not just another startup incubator, it is a strategic platform aimed at empowering digital payment innovation and financial inclusion across Africa. The programme provides startups with:
- Tailored mentorship from Visa experts and ecosystem leaders
- Custom training sessions focused on go-to-market, compliance, and scalability
- Networking opportunities with peers, partners, and investors
- Access to funding pathways via Visa’s ecosystem and venture capital partners
Since launch, the programme has supported 64 startups across 17 African countries, many of which operate in multiple jurisdictions. These companies are building innovative solutions in payments, lending, insurance, payroll, cross-border transactions, and more.
Visa Unveils 22 Fintech Startups for Cohort 4
Alongside the announcement of Cohort 5 applications, Visa also unveiled the 22 startups selected for the programme’s fourth cohort, representing 12 African countries.
These startups are solving real-world problems in areas such as:
- SMB digitisation
- AI-powered payments
- Cross-border remittances
- Social commerce
- Climate insurance
- B2B transactions
- Payroll solutions
- Neobanking infrastructure
While specific names of the startups are yet to be revealed publicly, the diversity and scale of the projects selected underscore Africa’s position as a hotbed of fintech innovation.
High-Impact Results So Far
Visa’s accelerator model is already delivering impressive outcomes. The programme has helped participating startups collectively generate:
- $3 million+ in new revenue
- $55 million+ in follow-on funding
- $1.1 billion in combined portfolio value
What’s more, nearly 62% of startups in the programme have women in leadership roles, reinforcing Visa’s commitment to inclusive innovation.
As Visa accelerates its Africa fintech strategy, these results demonstrate how targeted corporate partnerships can meaningfully advance the continent’s digital transformation goals.
Demo Day and What’s Next
The fourth cohort will conclude with an in-person Demo Day, bringing together ecosystem leaders, funding partners, angel investors, and venture capitalists to see live pitches from each participating startup.
Speaking on the expansion of the programme, a Visa spokesperson said:
“Visa is committed to fostering innovation and promoting access and inclusion within Africa’s financial ecosystem. As digital transformation accelerates across the continent, we are pleased to invite applications for Cohort 5 of the Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator, in alignment with our mission to support emerging start-ups in advancing their innovative solutions.”
How to Apply for Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator Cohort 5
If you’re a fintech founder building for Africa with a functional MVP or market-ready product, applications are now live.
- Deadline: August 15, 2025
- Format: Fully virtual (12 weeks)
- Target startups: Fintechs operating in or targeting African markets
- Application link:https://forms.office.com/r/1t3Azbqk2s
Why This Matters for Crypto Startups
While the programme is fintech-focused, crypto and blockchain startups in payments, remittances, and neobanking are increasingly being welcomed into the accelerator. This opens a significant door for Web3 innovators solving African financial challenges with crypto-native tools.
Read also: Western Union to Roll Out Stablecoin Settlement Systems in Africa
