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Open Accelerator / Incubator International

Visa Accelerator Program (Visa Everywhere Initiative, Africa)

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About this opportunity

A free 3-month accelerator from Visa for African fintech startups at Seed to Series A stage. You get mentorship, training, developer tools, and a Demo Day with investors. You need an MVP, market traction, and operations in Africa.

Visa's fintech accelerator for Africa, run under the Visa Everywhere Initiative. It offers training, 1:1 mentorship, Visa developer tools, a Demo Day with investors (Visa, Plug and Play, VCs) and about $200,000 in combined product perks. It has supported more than 100 startups since 2023.

Who can apply

  • Seed to Series A stage startups
  • Your product must be at minimum viable product (MVP) stage or market-ready
  • Your solution must address payments, fintech, or commerce problems
  • Your startup must have market-tested traction (not just an idea)
  • You must be operating in Africa or have a concrete plan to expand there within the programme period

Not eligible

  • Idea-stage startups without a working MVP
  • Startups outside the fintech, payments or commerce sectors
  • Companies with no presence or expansion plans in Africa

Not sure you qualify? Check in 60 seconds

Documents you will need

  • Company registration documents or proof of business establishment
  • Pitch deck or business overview (format not specified; check with programme team)
  • Product demo or link to MVP
  • Evidence of market traction (customer numbers, revenue, usage data, or letters of intent)
  • Team information and founder backgrounds

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How to apply, step by step

  1. Visit the Visa Accelerator Program page and locate the application link for the current cohort
  2. Complete the online application form with company details, product information, and traction metrics
  3. Submit evidence of your MVP and market-tested product
  4. If shortlisted to Round 2, prepare for a virtual interview conducted in English
  5. Attend the virtual interview if selected
  6. Wait for finalist notification, which comes before programme kickoff
Save and track it and we will email you 14 days, 7 days, 3 days, 24 hours and on the morning of the deadline.

How applications are selected

Applications go through two rounds. Round 1 assesses programme fit, traction, team strength, and alignment with Visa's focus areas. Shortlisted startups move to Round 2, a virtual interview in English. Finalists are notified before the 3-month programme starts. Visa and Plug and Play typically invest in around 50% of each cohort at Demo Day, with additional VC investors present.

What reviewers look for

  • Show real customer or user traction—actual revenue, active users, or signed letters of intent matter more than projections
  • Your solution must fit one of the six theme areas: unlocking new payment flows, embedded finance, empowering merchants and SMEs, payment infrastructure, future of finance, or sustainable and inclusive finance
  • Demonstrate that your team understands the African market you plan to serve; don't apply with a generic global pitch
  • Clarity on why you need Visa's specific tools and network will strengthen your case
  • If you are currently in another accelerator, you cannot join this one

Frequently asked questions

Do we get funding from Visa?

Not guaranteed, but around 50% of each cohort receives investment from Visa or Plug and Play at Demo Day. Other VCs attend the Demo Day and may invest separately.

Is there a participation fee?

No. All programme activities are free. You cover your own visa, flights, and daily expenses, except Visa covers accommodation for one founder at the in-person Demo Day.

How long does the programme run?

Three months. It's hybrid: one onboarding week, 10 virtual focus weeks, an investor week, and an in-person Demo Day. You don't need to attend a coworking space daily.

Can we stay in another accelerator while doing this one?

No. You cannot be enrolled in another accelerator programme at the same time.

What if we don't get investment at Demo Day?

You still complete the programme and gain mentorship, training, product perks worth ~$200,000, and investor connections. Investment decisions happen around Demo Day, and VCs beyond Visa and Plug and Play will attend.

Guide written from the official programme page on 15 October 2026. Funders change their rules, so confirm the details on the official page before you apply.

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