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Visa has announced the 19 African startups selected to participate in the third cohort of its Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator program.
Representing 21 countries and covering diverse sectors such as embedded finance, SME lending, and digital banking, these startups highlight the continent’s thriving fintech ecosystem.
With 85% of the selected startups featuring female leadership—a significant increase from the program’s first edition—the Accelerator underscores the growing role of women in Africa’s innovation landscape.
Now in its third iteration, the Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator offers participants a 12-week intensive program that equips them with mentorship, resources, and strategic connections to scale their solutions.
The program culminates in an exclusive Demo Day, where startups showcase their innovations to investors, industry leaders, and potential partners.
Launched in 2023, the program has supported up to 45 startups annually with a 12-week intensive mentorship and funding opportunity.
This year’s participants include:
“We are delighted to partner with ISA to support the development of solar energy in Africa,” said Alain Ebobissé, CEO of Africa50. “This partnership will help to accelerate the deployment of solar energy in Africa and improve the lives of millions of Africans,” he added.

Africa50, a key infrastructure investor operating across the continent, has completed the first close of its Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa – Project Development Fund (AGIA‑PD), raising $118 million in landmark financing.

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), under its parent Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG), has agreed to invest in the Novastar Ventures Africa People and Planet Fund III, L.P., managed by Novastar Ventures Ltd.

NBA Africa Launches Triple-Double Startup Accelerator Program for Early-Stage African Businesses