In December 2025, Visa hosted its Africa Fintech Accelerator Demo Day in Cape Town, showcasing 22 promising fintech startups from across Africa. The event highlighted innovative digital commerce solutions and underscored the expanding role of fintech in driving financial inclusion on the continent. Reflecting on this, I am struck by the sheer dynamism of Africa’s fintech scene, a sector that remains full of opportunities and lessons for entrepreneurs worldwide.
A Closer Look at the Demo Day
This event marked the conclusion of Visa’s fourth cohort under its fintech accelerator program. Over three months, startups received hands-on guidance in product design, marketing, finance, and strategic sales. Representing 12 countries and 31 operational markets, the cohort exemplified the continent’s diversity in tackling financial challenges. Impressively, eight female founders participated, and 90% of startups boasted women in leadership roles, an inspiring sign of inclusive entrepreneurship.
Among the cohort were Moroccan startup Woliz, focused on digitizing nano-stores, and Egyptian companies Mnzl and Flend, offering credit and financing platforms. Each of these startups demonstrates how tailored solutions can untap new markets and empower consumers, particularly those underserved by traditional financial systems.
Why Africa’s Fintech Growth Matters
The numbers are compelling. According to reports, Africa’s fintech sector generated around $10 billion in revenues in 2023 and could reach $47 billion by 2028. Meanwhile, the number of African fintech companies has tripled since 2020, surging from 450 to over 1,200 in 2024. These startups are not just growing; they are shaping a financial revolution by providing localized solutions in payments, lending, and digital banking.
Visa’s involvement reflects this momentum. The accelerator program has now supported 86 fintech startups with a combined valuation of $1.3 billion. Many participants have successfully entered new markets, secured follow-on funding, and established partnerships with institutional backers.
Lessons and Takeaways for Entrepreneurs
While the successes of these startups paint an admirable picture, the most valuable insights for entrepreneurs lie in the operational strategies behind their growth.
1. Focus on Localized Problems:
Africa’s top fintechs solve challenges specific to their markets. Whether it’s providing digital wallets for farmers or AI tools for small businesses, success stems from truly understanding local needs. As an entrepreneur, begin by mapping out the gaps and pain points in your intended market.
2. Collaboration is Key:
Each cohort’s collaboration with Visa’s corporate partners, such as Bank of Africa and First Bank of Nigeria, was instrumental in refining the startups’ go-to-market strategies. Partnering with established players can provide access to networks, expertise, and funding.
3. Diversity Drives Growth:
Gender-diverse teams often outperform competitors. Visa’s accelerator highlights how changing gender dynamics enrich decision-making and innovation. Founders should actively pursue diverse hiring to bring different perspectives into their business.
4. Think Scalable:
Despite focusing on local issues, every successful fintech in this program targeted potential scalability. Solving smaller problems can open up opportunities across other regions, ensuring long-term business growth.
Avoid These Common Pitfalls
Even with supportive accelerators like Visa’s, not all fintech startups survive. Here’s what commonly goes wrong:
- Over-engineering solutions: Trying to please everyone with endless features waters down the core product. Build lean, test fast, and scale deliberately.
- Neglecting compliance: Many high-growth regions such as Africa have regulatory challenges. Entrepreneurs must factor in licensing and compliance upfront.
- Focusing only on funding: Growth doesn’t solely rely on capital. Over-reliance on investors can harm operational efficiency and scalability.
- Underestimating market education: Digital banking and online payments are still new concepts in many rural areas of Africa. Businesses must invest in user education and trust-building.
A Simple Guide to Getting Involved
For founders aspiring to learn from or join similar accelerator programs, here’s where to start:
- Look at Visa Accelerator Program details directly on Visa’s site. They frequently announce upcoming application windows and eligibility criteria.
- Explore industry-specific meetups or partnerships with financial institutions. Events like the Cape Town Fintech Summit also connect startups with mentors.
- Build lean prototypes before applying. An MVP (minimum viable product) that demonstrates user value significantly enhances your application chances.
Final Thoughts
Witnessing the progress of Africa’s fintech ecosystem is not just educational, it’s energizing. Visa’s Demo Day proves the continent is not only following global fintech trends but actively redefining them. As founders and entrepreneurs, we often overlook the power of hyper-focused solutions and accessible platforms. But Africa’s fintech leaders show us that impactful growth resides in connecting untapped segments to opportunity.
In the end, there’s plenty to learn from each challenge these startups target and structure they operate within. If we can adapt even one lesson from Visa’s accelerator success to our ventures, we’ll be better equipped to scale globally. Sometimes, innovation isn’t about working faster, it’s about working smarter for the people who matter most.
FAQ
1. What was the main focus of Visa’s Demo Day in December 2025?
The event emphasized innovative digital commerce solutions from 22 fintech startups across Africa, showcasing their potential for scaling and driving financial inclusion. Read the full press release here.
2. How many startups participated in Visa’s fourth Africa Fintech Accelerator Demo Day?
22 fintech startups from 12 African countries showcased their solutions during the event. Learn more about Visa’s fourth cohort.
3. What support was provided to the cohort participants during the accelerator program?
Participants received mentorship, guidance in product design, marketing, finance, and sales, and access to Visa’s global network for scaling their solutions. Discover details about the program.
4. Were any women founders involved in the accelerator cohort?
Yes, 8 female founders participated, and 90% of the startups featured women in leadership roles, promoting inclusive entrepreneurship. Learn about diversity in the cohort.
5. How has Africa’s fintech sector grown in recent years?
The number of fintech startups tripled from 450 in 2020 to over 1,200 by early 2024, with fintech-generated revenues expected to grow from $10 billion in 2023 to $47 billion by 2028. Explore African fintech growth trends.
6. What role do partnerships play in the success of fintech startups in Africa?
Collaborations with institutions such as Bank of Africa and First Bank of Nigeria help startups refine their strategies and scale their operations effectively. Discover Visa’s partnership strategies.
7. Can you name some standout startups from Visa’s Demo Day?
Notable startups include Mnzl and Flend from Egypt, focusing on credit and financing platforms, and Woliz from Morocco, which is digitizing nano-stores. Learn more about these startups.
8. How does Visa’s fintech accelerator program contribute to startup growth?
The program has supported 86 fintech startups across four cohorts, collectively valued at $1.3 billion, enabling these companies to scale, secure funding, and enter new markets. Explore Visa’s accelerator impact.
9. What are some key takeaways for entrepreneurs from Visa’s Demo Day?
Entrepreneurs should focus on solving localized problems, embracing diversity, forming partnerships, and developing scalable solutions. Learn about entrepreneur insights.
10. How can startups get involved in Visa’s accelerator program?
Founders can apply via Visa’s official site and develop an MVP to improve their application chances. Move your fintech forward with Visa’s Accelerator Program.
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 5,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
- 1,000 unique business ideas for women created
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.
