Visa has reached a significant milestone in its support for African innovation. The Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator has now backed a total of 104 startups across five cohorts, with the participating companies collectively valued at approximately $1.4 billion.
The milestone was celebrated during the Demo Day of the fifth cohort, held on the sidelines of GITEX Africa in Marrakech. Eighteen high-growth fintech startups from 10 African countries showcased their solutions, highlighting the programmeโs growing impact across the continent.
Since its launch, the accelerator has focused on helping early-stage fintechs scale through a 12-week hybrid programme that offers mentorship, strategic guidance, access to Visaโs global network, and opportunities for commercial partnerships. The supported startups operate in areas such as payments, lending, insurance, remittances, and embedded finance.
The fifth cohortโs Demo Day demonstrated the diversity and maturity of African fintech talent, with solutions addressing real challenges in financial inclusion, digital payments, and cross-border transactions. Many of the participating startups have already begun forming partnerships with Visa and other industry players.
Applications are now open for the sixth cohort of the Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator. Fintech startups from across Africa particularly those at the Seed to Series A stage with a minimum viable product have until May 17, 2026, to apply. The programme runs twice a year and typically accepts up to 20 startups per cohort.
Visaโs continued investment in the accelerator reflects the companyโs long-term commitment to Africaโs digital economy. By providing not just funding but also expertise and market access, the programme aims to help promising fintechs move from innovation to scalable impact.
The $1.4 billion combined valuation of the 104 supported startups underscores the growing strength and investor interest in African fintech. As the sector matures, initiatives like Visaโs accelerator play a crucial role in bridging the gap between early-stage ideas and sustainable, high-growth businesses.
For aspiring fintech founders, the opening of the sixth cohort represents a fresh opportunity to gain world-class support and visibility. With Africaโs digital payments and financial services market continuing to expand rapidly, programmes that connect local innovation with global networks are becoming increasingly valuable.
The Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator continues to serve as a key platform for nurturing the next generation of African fintech leaders. As the sixth cohort prepares to begin, the focus remains on building solutions that drive financial inclusion and digital commerce across the continent.
Startups interested in applying can find details and submit their applications through Visaโs official accelerator page.
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