Visa opens applications for its Africa Fintech Accelerator Program

Visa opens applications for its Africa Fintech Accelerator Program

Published: 21-07-2023 15:16:00 | By: Pie Kamau | hits: 3521 | Tags:

Payments tech company Visa has opened applications for startups to participate in the first cohort of the Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator program. The program is focused on startups operating in Africa and will run over 12 weeks twice a year with up to 20 startups per cohort. 

Startups up to Series A stage are encouraged to apply here, for a chance to gain unparalleled expertise, valuable industry connections, cutting-edge technology, and potential investment funding. 

In line with Visa's pledge to invest $1 billion in Africa by 2027, the accelerator aims to strengthen Africa's payment ecosystem through innovations and technologies, focusing on digitizing economies, upskilling talent, and building capacity. 

Plug and Play, the world’s leading innovation platform will serve as the program partner for the Visa Africa Accelerator. Throughout the 12-week program, Plug and Play will deliver valuable content, facilitate access to mentors, arrange one-on-one coaching sessions, and connect startups with a global and regional network of investors. The Visa Fintech Accelerator is looking for disruptive startups that operate and generate revenue within the African continent. 

Otto Williams, Senior Vice President, Head of Product, Partnerships and Digital Solutions, Visa CEMEA: ''Through the Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator, Visa is committed to driving financial innovation, fostering entrepreneurship, and supporting the growth of Fintech ecosystems across Africa. This accelerator represents a unique opportunity for Fintech startups to access invaluable resources, mentorship, and potential investment opportunities.”

Startups in embedded finance, those empowering merchants and SMEs, those building the future of finance, sustainable and inclusive finance and payment infrastructure enablers are encouraged to apply.

Interested startups can apply here. Applications will close on August 25th and the first cohort will be announced in September.

africa.visa.com