Visa has selected 21 fintech startups from across Africa for the sixth edition of its Africa FinTech Accelerator, giving the companies access to industry experts, financial institutions, potential investors and business development opportunities.

The latest cohort comprises startups from nine African countries, with their operations spanning 24 markets across the continent. The programme also marks the first participation of companies from Niger, Togo and Seychelles.

The three-month accelerator, which commenced with onboarding in Accra, Ghana, is designed to help participating businesses strengthen their products, expand their market reach and establish strategic partnerships.

During the onboarding programme, the founders engaged with organisations including Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems, GCB Bank, Onafriq and EY Ghana.

Focus on healthcare, payments and financial infrastructure

The selected startups are working across a broad range of financial technology solutions, including healthcare financing, insurance claims processing, merchant services, cross-border payments and digital financial infrastructure.

Among the Nigerian participants is Rigo, a fintech serving healthcare businesses. The company provides financial solutions that enable pharmacies, clinics and hospitals to finance inventory, acquire equipment and support expansion, alongside payment and financial-management services.

Another participant, Clinify, is developing technology aimed at simplifying insurance claims. Its platform helps healthcare providers submit claims, identify missing documentation and monitor claims through the approval and payment process.

Egypt-based Fincart, meanwhile, combines e-commerce and financial services, providing online businesses with tools covering shipping, payments, customer communication and financing.

Cross-border payments are also represented through Remi, which is developing infrastructure to improve connections between financial institutions involved in moving money into Africa.

Programme offers mentorship and investor access

Visa’s accelerator provides participating companies with training and mentorship covering areas such as product development, marketing, finance and sales.

The startups will also have opportunities to interact with investors and industry leaders before eventually presenting their businesses at an in-person Demo Day.

While the programme itself is free for participating startups, Visa said participation does not automatically guarantee funding.

Startups that successfully complete the programme may, however, be considered for investment by Visa or Plug and Play, while other venture capital investors are expected to participate in the Demo Day.

Expanding Africa’s fintech ecosystem

The inclusion of startups from Niger, Togo and Seychelles highlights the growing spread of fintech innovation beyond Africa’s traditional technology hubs.

Visa’s latest cohort also reflects the changing nature of the continent’s fintech sector, with companies increasingly exploring areas beyond conventional digital payments.

Technologies and sectors represented include artificial intelligence, stablecoins, agentic commerce, sustainable finance, payments and financial infrastructure.

The accelerator is part of Visa’s broader effort to support emerging fintech companies while connecting them to potential commercial and investment opportunities across its ecosystem.

With 21 new companies joining the programme, the latest cohort further strengthens the growing network of African fintech founders working to build solutions for the continent’s increasingly digital economy.

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