NAIROBI, Kenya, July 19 – Global payment platform Visa has partnered with Plug and Play, an innovation firm, to roll out applications for startups for its first cohort of the Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator programme.
The programme is set to run for 12 weeks twice a year and is focused on startups operating in Africa, with up to 20 startups per cohort.
“Through the Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator, Visa is committed to driving financial innovation, fostering entrepreneurship, and supporting the growth of Fintech ecosystems across Africa,” said Otto Williams, Senior Vice President for Visa CEMEA.
“This accelerator represents a unique opportunity for Fintech startups to access invaluable resources, mentorship, and potential investment opportunities.“
Visa says its Fintech Accelerator programme is looking for disruptive startups that operate and generate revenue within the African continent.
It seeks to incorporate fintechs in areas including those in the payment digitization sector, those creating advanced intelligence to enhance payment, SME’s in digital payment, as well as payment infrastructure enablers.
It will also bring on board fintechs in the sustainable and inclusive finance sector with a positive impact through financial services for climate vulnerable communities.
Visa has recently been on an aggressive mission to step up its presence on the African continent by sponsoring competitions that bring on board fintech startups.
It recently concluded its Kenya edition of the 2023 Visa Everywhere Initiative (VEI) that saw over 200 fintechs participate in a competition that attracted fintechs from across the African continent.
