Visa, the second-largest card payment processor globally, has announced strategic investments in four African startups as part of its initiative to allocate $1 billion towards enhancing financial inclusion across the continent, as disclosed on Thursday.

These startups are participants in Visa's biannual Africa Fintech Accelerator program, which commenced in June 2023. The program welcomed 23 startups, offering mentorship, technology credits, and networking opportunities with potential investors during the Demo Day. Out of the initial cohort, only four startups were selected for strategic investment.

The startups selected include Oze, a business banking platform from Ghana; Orda, a restaurant technology company from Nigeria; WorkPay, a Kenyan firm specializing in HR and payroll management; and OkHi, which utilizes AI for address verification services.

“Our aim has been to support the most innovative solutions that facilitate money movement, empower merchants and small to medium-sized businesses, and promote financial inclusion throughout the continent,” the company stated in a LinkedIn post regarding the program.

Startups in the upcoming second cohort, including Raenest, Beem, E-Doc, and others, are set to present their pitches to Visa and other investors during a Demo Day planned for December 2024.

Additionally, Visa has launched the third cohort of the accelerator program, featuring startups such as Bumpa, Kredete, WeWire, Umba, and 18 others.