Visa, the global digital payments leader, has opened applications for the sixth cohort of its Africa Fintech Accelerator program, inviting fintech innovators from Egypt and across the continent to apply. Submissions are open until May 17, 2026, through the official program website.
Quick Facts
- Applications now open for the 6th cohort
- Program has supported 104 startups to date
- Alumni startups hold a combined $1.4 billion valuation
A Platform for Pan-African Fintech Growth
The announcement comes after 18 startups from the fifth cohort, representing 10 African countries, showcased their solutions at a Demo Day during GITEX Africa in Marrakech. Since its inception, the accelerator has supported 104 startups across five cohorts, helping them expand their reach and strengthen Africa’s digital payments infrastructure.
The three-month intensive program offers startups tailored mentorship, strategic guidance, and access to Visa’s extensive global network of partners and customers. The goal is to help founders scale their businesses, refine their products, and unlock new commercial opportunities. The current participating startups are active across 28 African markets, building solutions for diverse needs in commerce and financial services.
“The remarkable aspect of the fintech story in Africa is the growing spirit of collaboration among entrepreneurs, partners, and industry leaders,” said Godfrey Sullivan, SVP and Head of Products and Solutions for CEMEA at Visa. “Having supported over 100 startups, it’s clear how this collaboration can accelerate growth, expand financial inclusion, and shape the future of digital commerce on the continent.”
MENA Alumni Showcase Collaborative Success
The program has produced notable success stories from the MENA region, demonstrating its impact on the local ecosystem.
Egypt’s MoneyHash, a graduate of the third cohort, secured a multi-year partnership to integrate Visa’s Cybersource service onto its platform. This move bolsters the platform’s payment acceptance capabilities for e-commerce across the Middle East and North Africa.
In Morocco, a collaboration is underway between Zazu (cohort 4) and Chari (cohort 1). The two alumni are working to launch a digital bank for SMEs, leveraging Chari’s issuing capabilities which were previously enabled with Visa’s support.
Other program graduates are also making significant progress. Credable is working with program partner Onafriq to develop digital credit solutions using Visa’s Flexible Credential technology. Meanwhile, Kredete is expanding its stablecoin-linked card services from several African markets into the GCC.
About Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator
The Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator is a program designed to support and scale innovative fintech startups across the African continent. It provides founders with mentorship, strategic guidance, and commercial opportunities by connecting them with Visa’s vast network of partners and experts. The initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of digital payments, foster innovation, and strengthen the overall financial technology ecosystem in Africa.
Source: Fintech Gate
