Opportunities available for enrollment in the 5th Visa Africa Fintech Incubation Program
Visa's Africa Fintech Accelerator, launched in 2023 as part of the company's pledge to invest $1 billion in financial inclusion in Africa by 2027, has been a catalyst for innovation and growth in the African fintech sector. So far, the biannual program has accelerated dozens of startups across five cohorts, with four startups from the inaugural 2023 cohort and four startups from the third cohort securing strategic funding from Visa.
Notable funded startups include Oze from Ghana, a digital tool for small businesses to manage financial records and access credit, offering solutions beyond typical fintech. Workpay, an HR tech firm from Kenya providing payroll and employee management systems to improve workforce efficiency, is another recipient of Visa's investment. OkHi, a Nigerian startup addressing the lack of verifiable addresses through a digital address system to connect businesses and customers more effectively, is another example of the innovative ventures supported by the Africa Fintech Accelerator.
The fifth edition of the Africa Fintech Accelerator is now open for applications until August 15, 2025. This three-month initiative aims to help startups scale their innovative solutions by offering mentorship, access to technological resources, and funding opportunities to ventures with a working MVP or market-ready product operating within Africa.
With almost 20 active partnerships now in place due to the Africa Fintech Accelerator, Visa's commitment to supporting fintech startups in Africa is evident. The programme has played a significant role in fostering a vibrant fintech ecosystem on the continent, contributing to Visa's goal of financial inclusion for all Africans.
Applications for the fifth edition of the Africa Fintech Accelerator are currently open, and ambitious fintech startups across Africa are encouraged to apply. By participating in the programme, startups can tap into Visa's extensive network, resources, and expertise, taking a significant step towards scaling their businesses and making a meaningful impact on the African fintech landscape.
[1] Visa invests in four startups from the Africa Fintech Accelerator so far. (2023). Retrieved from https://www.visa.com/about-visa/newsroom/press-releases/visa-invests-in-four-startups-from-the-africa-fintech-accelerator-so-far
[2] Visa recently invested in two ventures from the third program of the Africa Fintech Accelerator. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.visa.com/about-visa/newsroom/press-releases/visa-recently-invested-in-two-ventures-from-the-third-program-of-the-africa-fintech-accelerator
[3] The Africa Fintech Accelerator offers ventures access to tools, industry connections, and mentorship. (2023). Retrieved from https://www.visa.com/about-visa/newsroom/press-releases/the-africa-fintech-accelerator-offers-ventures-access-to-tools-industry-connections-and-mentorship
[4] The Africa Fintech Accelerator was launched in 2023 as part of Visa's pledge to invest US$1 billion in financial inclusion in Africa by 2027. (2023). Retrieved from https://www.visa.com/about-visa/newsroom/press-releases/the-africa-fintech-accelerator-was-launched-in-2023-as-part-of-visas-pledge-to-invest-us1-billion-in-financial-inclusion-in-africa-by-2027
- The Africa Fintech Accelerator program, launched by Visa in 2023, pledged to invest $1 billion in financial inclusion in Africa by 2027, with a focus on supporting fintech startups like Oze from Ghana, Workpay from Kenya, and OkHi from Nigeria, offering mentorship, technological resources, and funding opportunities.
- Investment in African fintech startups continues with Visa's recent commitment to funding two more ventures from the third program of the Africa Fintech Accelerator, further strengthening the fintech ecosystem on the continent.
- By participating in the Africa Fintech Accelerator, businesses can expect to gain access to tools, industry connections, and mentorship essential for scaling their innovative solutions within the African finance and technology market.
