19 Startups, One Goal: Transforming Africa’s Financial Landscape

Visa’s Africa Fintech Accelerator selects 19 startups to shape the continent’s digital payments future.
The program aims to support innovation and expand access to financial services across Africa.
Selected startups span diverse industries, from cross-border payments to digital banking solutions.

Visa’s Spotlight on Africa’s Innovators

Visa’s third Africa Fintech Accelerator just unveiled its latest cohort: 19 startups from across the continent, each bringing bold ideas to transform digital payments.

This program connects these visionaries with Visa’s resources, networks, and mentorship to accelerate their growth.

Visa’s accelerator focuses on fintech startups pushing boundaries in payments, financial inclusion, and tech-driven innovation. Among the standout names:

Flutterwave (Nigeria): A giant in cross-border payments, connecting African businesses to global markets.
Chipper Cash (Uganda): Democratizing mobile money with affordable, fast peer-to-peer payments.

Other players include Peach Payments (South Africa) and Duhqa (Kenya), targeting e-commerce and last-mile payments. Visa isn’t just nurturing startups—it’s fueling a continent-wide digital transformation.

Payments Power the Continent

Africa’s digital payments market is growing fast, projected to hit USD 40 billion by 2025. Yet financial access remains uneven, with 57% of adults unbanked, according to the World Bank.

Startups in Visa’s accelerator aim to fill this gap by delivering cost-effective, scalable solutions.

Visa’s track record speaks volumes: previous participants raised millions in funding and scaled operations to new markets.

“Our main goal with this program is to help fintechs with resources that they need such as expertise, mentorships, connections, technology and investment opportunities.”

Otto Williams, VISA SVP Head of Product, Partnerships & Digital Solutions CEMEA

This accelerator also aligns with Africa’s digital finance policies, such as Nigeria’s eNaira and Kenya’s push for cashless transactions.

Startups like Paga (Nigeria), which serves millions with mobile money services, showcase how fintech can create inclusive financial ecosystems.

A Cashless, Connected Africa

Visa’s accelerator represents more than just payments; it’s about reshaping lives. With technology as the backbone, these 19 startups aim to enhance cross-border trade, empower small businesses, and make digital banking universal.

Imagine farmers in rural Kenya accessing microloans via their phones or entrepreneurs in Lagos securing global customers through secure digital platforms. The ripple effects are enormous.

This cohort, featuring startups like MojaPay (South Africa) and BezoMoney (Ghana), promises not just profitability but also prosperity for millions across Africa.