Global payments giant Visa has opened applications for the sixth cohort of its Africa Fintech Accelerator, marking a key milestone as the programme surpasses 100 startups supported across the continent.
Since its launch, the initiative has backed 104 fintech companies in 28 African markets, with participating startups reaching a combined valuation of approximately US$1.4 billion, according to the company.
Applications for the latest cohort will remain open until May 17, as Visa looks to support a new generation of founders building financial technology solutions tailored to Africa’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
Scaling Africa’s fintech ecosystem
The accelerator is designed to help early-stage startups scale by providing mentorship, technical support and access to Visa’s global network of partners and investors.
It targets companies developing solutions in areas such as digital payments, financial inclusion, remittances and embedded finance — sectors that have seen strong growth across Africa in recent years.
By connecting startups to funding opportunities and industry expertise, the programme aims to address persistent gaps in access to financial services while accelerating innovation.
Growing impact
The milestone reflects the expanding role of fintech in Africa, where mobile money and digital platforms are reshaping how individuals and businesses access financial services.
Startups supported by the accelerator have collectively achieved significant traction, both in terms of market reach and investor interest, underscoring the sector’s growth potential.
Visa said the programme is part of its broader commitment to advancing financial inclusion and supporting small businesses across the continent.
Continued momentum
The launch of the sixth cohort comes amid rising global interest in Africa’s fintech space, even as funding conditions have tightened in recent years.
Despite a more cautious investment environment, demand for digital financial solutions remains strong, driven by a young population, increasing smartphone penetration and limited access to traditional banking services.
By expanding its accelerator, Visa is positioning itself at the centre of this transformation, helping to nurture startups that could shape the future of finance in Africa.
The new cohort is expected to bring in innovators from across the continent, building on the programme’s growing footprint and reinforcing its role as a key platform for fintech development in Africa.
