Global digital payments giant Visa has opened applications for the fifth cohort of its Africa Fintech Accelerator. The program, now in its second year, supports early-stage startups in scaling their fintech solutions across the continent, offering mentorship, technical training, and investor exposure.
Alongside this announcement, Visa revealed the 22 startups selected for the fourth cohort. The new batch includes companies from 12 countries, with a noticeable presence from North Africa. Egypt and Morocco, in particular, continue to emerge as key innovation hubs in the region's fintech landscape.
From Egypt, two companies were selected. Flend is working to close the financing gap for small and medium-sized businesses. It operates as a non-bank financial institution, using data-driven methods to assess creditworthiness and distribute loans. The other startup, MNZL, focuses on expanding access to consumer credit. It enables Egyptians to unlock financing using existing assets like homes or vehicles as collateral.
Morocco also contributed two startups to the new group. Hsabati helps businesses manage operations and track performance, generating data that banks can use to assess risk and offer financing. Woliz is building a fintech ecosystem aimed at transforming informal nano-stores into digital hubs. Its tools include loyalty programs, digital payments, and AI-based inventory systems.
These startups represent different slices of the North African economy but share a common goal: using technology to formalise and expand financial access. Their inclusion in the accelerator reflects both their potential and a broader regional push toward digital transformation.
