Visa presented 22 startups from its 4th Africa Fintech Accelerator cohort at Cape Town, operating across 31 markets on the continent. Since its launch, the programme has supported 86 African startups with a cumulative valuation of $1.3 billion. African fintech is confirming its status as a strategic asset on the global stage.
A Cohort Across 12 Countries, 90% Women in Leadership
The 22 startups in Cohort 4 are based in 12 African countries operating across 31 distinct markets. A notable achievement: 8 female founders led their startups to Demo Day, and 90% of teams include at least one woman in a leadership role. North Africa is well represented: Flend and Mnzl (Egypt), Hsabati and Woliz (Morocco) are among the selected startups.
Tier-1 Institutional Partners
Bank of Africa, Onafriq, and First Bank of Nigeria provided concrete support to startups throughout the programme. These partnerships go beyond simple mentoring: they open direct commercial doors into high-potential markets.
A Continental Market Worth $47bn by 2028
According to McKinsey, African fintech service revenues could reach $47 billion by 2028, up from approximately $10 billion in 2023. The European Investment Bank notes that the number of active fintechs on the continent nearly tripled between 2020 and early 2024, from 450 to 1,263 companies.
Why It Matters
Visa's involvement — the world's largest payment network — in accelerating African fintechs sends a powerful signal: the continent has become a genuine laboratory for financial innovation. For Indian Ocean entrepreneurs, the Visa programme represents a pathway to markets, networks, and capital at a moment when regional fintech is seeking to structure itself.
Sources: AfriqueITNews; ffnews.com; McKinsey Global Institute.