Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator
Visa's pan-African fintech accelerator, launched in 2023, has supported more than 100 startups. Each cohort runs three months: an onboarding week, 10 virtual focus weeks, an investor week and an in-person Demo Day. Startups get mentorship, Visa developer tools, commercial engagement with Visa and its partners, and about $200K in vendor perks. It is for seed to Series A fintechs that are post-MVP and operate in Africa or are committed to expanding there.
At a glance
Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator key facts
- Investment
- None
- Deal terms
- No participation fee and no guaranteed investment. Visa or Plug and Play may consider investing in up to ~50% of the cohort around Demo Day (terms negotiated). About $200K in vendor perks. Visa covers accommodation for one founder at Demo Day; startups pay their own flights and visas.
- Duration
- 3 months
- Format
- Hybrid
- Cohort locations
- Africa (pan-African)
- Stage
- seed, series a
- Sectors
- fintech
- Application cycle
- About 2 cohorts a year
Verified November 4, 2026 against the sources below. Terms change; confirm on the official site before applying.
Timing
Cohort 6 applications closed May 17, 2026. The official page now lists the current cohort (21 startups, including Borderless, Pretium and Zeraki) and refers to Cohort 7, but publishes no deadline. Cohort 5's Demo Day was held at GITEX Africa in Marrakech.
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Notable alumni
- Chari
- MoneyHash
- Credable
- Kredete
- Zazu
Sources
- africa.visa.com/en_MW/visa-everywhere/innovation/visa-accelerator.html
- thefintechtimes.com/visa-opens-applications-for-cohort-6-of-africa-fintech-accelerator-following-1-4bn-valuation-milestone/
- fintechnews.ae/31252/fintech-africa/visa-africa-fintech-accelerator-cohort-6-applications-2026/
- dabafinance.com/en/news/visa-africa-fintech-accelerator-cohort-four-startups-2025
FAQ
Applying to Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator
- How much does Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator invest?
- Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator's standard deal: No participation fee and no guaranteed investment. Visa or Plug and Play may consider investing in up to ~50% of the cohort around Demo Day (terms negotiated). About $200K in vendor perks. Visa covers accommodation for one founder at Demo Day; startups pay their own flights and visas.
- When is the Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator application deadline?
- Application cycle: About 2 cohorts a year. Cohort 6 applications closed May 17, 2026. The official page now lists the current cohort (21 startups, including Borderless, Pretium and Zeraki) and refers to Cohort 7, but publishes no deadline. Cohort 5's Demo Day was held at GITEX Africa in Marrakech.
- Where is Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator based?
- The program runs hybrid.
Preparing answers? Our accelerator application tips cover what reviewers look for.
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