Visa has officially launched the Cohort 5 application cycle for its Visa Accelerator Programme Africa, a high-impact initiative designed to fast-track the growth of innovative fintech startups across the continent.
The three-month programme will run from January 12 to April 3, 2026, offering selected startups access to expert mentorship, enterprise support, and potential strategic partnerships with Visa and its global network.
Who Can Apply?
Fintech startups from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Egypt, and other African markets are eligible to apply if they meet the following criteria:
- Registered and operational in Africa
- Seed to Series A stage
- Minimum viable product (MVP) or live product
- Early customer traction
- Operating in verticals such as:
- Digital payments
- Embedded finance
- SME & merchant solutions
- Payment infrastructure
- Financial inclusion & sustainability
What Is the Visa Accelerator Programme?
The Visa Accelerator Programme is a mentorship-driven initiative aimed at early-stage and growth-stage African fintech startups building cutting-edge solutions in:
- Digital payments
- Embedded finance
- Lending and credit infrastructure
- SME enablement tools
- Sustainable finance
- Consumer banking innovation
Visa is targeting startups that have a minimum viable product (MVP), early traction, and a strong focus on solving real-world financial challenges in Africa.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: August 15, 2025
- Cohort Announcement: December 12, 2025
- Programme Duration: January 12 – April 3, 2026
Interested startups can apply online at: africa.visa.com
Benefits of the Visa Accelerator Programme
Startups accepted into the programme will receive:
- 1:1 mentorship from top fintech experts and founders
- Technical training on Visa APIs, UX design, and product scaling
- Networking access with investors, partners, and Visa stakeholders
- Perks worth over $200,000, including credits from AWS, HubSpot, and more
- Pitch opportunities at Demo Day with Visa, Plug & Play, and top African VCs
There is no cost to participate, though startups are expected to cover any required travel and visa arrangements.
Application Process
Startups can apply directly through the Visa Africa Accelerator official website. The application involves submitting a detailed business profile, team overview, and traction metrics. Shortlisted startups will undergo interviews and evaluations before final selection.
Visa encourages applications from startups led by African founders, especially those focused on financial inclusion and digital transformation for underserved communities.
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