Global payments giant Visa has announced the 19 African startups selected to participate in the third cohort of the Visa Accelerator program - Africa.

Representing 21 African countries, the startups operate in various sectors, including embedded finance, digital banking and SME lending, and will get access to growth-enabling resources during the program.

This groundbreaking initiative connects Africa's brightest minds with experienced mentors, cutting-edge technology, and unparalleled investment opportunities.

Supporting the entrepreneurial drive of women across the continent, 85% of the startups feature female leadership, rising from less than 50% in the inaugural edition.

The Accelerator program, launched in June 2023, is reflective of Visa’s ongoing efforts to help uplift the digital economy in Africa, including a pledge to invest $1 billion in the continent by 2027 to help revolutionize the payments ecosystem.

Here are the selected startups:

  • Kenya — Credable Group, Melanin Kapital, Umba, and Zendawa
  • Nigeria — Bumpa, Kredete, and Nearpays
  • South Africa — Block Markets Africa, Ordev.io, and Sticitt
  • Egypt — enza and MoneyHash
  • Algeria — Moneco (YC S22)
  • Cameroon — PaySika
  • Ethiopia — Kacha | ካቻ
  • Ghana — WeWire
  • Morocco — WafR
  • Namibia — JABU
  • Rwanda — Fixa