Visa is a world leader in payments and technology, with over 259 billion payment transactions flowing safely between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories each year. Its mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive — driven by a common purpose: to uplift everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.

Africa sits at the heart of Visa’s growth strategy. The company has pledged to invest $1 billion in Africa by 2027 to advance the continent’s financial ecosystem, backed by new offices, innovations and financial inclusion programs, with Sub-Saharan operations spanning 48 countries. Its flagship Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator has become a driver of the continent’s fintech momentum: across its cohorts the program has supported 86 startups with a cumulative portfolio valuation exceeding $1.3 billion, working with partners including Bank of Africa, Onafriq and First Bank of Nigeria, and offering founders mentorship, training and investment consideration from Visa, Plug and Play and leading VCs. The most recent Demo Day in Cape Town saw 22 high-growth startups from 12 African countries accelerate their go-to-market strategies. Visa also partners with the continent’s leading players — from its virtual card launch with Safaricom’s M-PESA to collaborations with fintechs, neobanks and digital wallets — to reach Africa’s billion-consumer opportunity and expand financial inclusion for individuals and small businesses.