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Zimbabwe’s fintech sector has landed a major breakthrough, with two homegrown startups—ChatCash and BigDot.ai—selected for the fourth cohort of Visa’s Africa Fintech Accelerator. The 12-week virtual program brings together 22 early-stage startups from 12 African countries, offering expert mentorship, technical training, investor exposure, and access to a broader innovation network across the continent. This initiative is part of Visa’s $1 billion pledge to accelerate digital and financial inclusion in Africa by 2027.
The inclusion of two Zimbabwean startups is a significant achievement, particularly in a space typically dominated by larger African economies like Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Egypt. It signals not just a shift in regional representation but a recognition of the innovation quietly brewing within Zimbabwe’s tech landscape.
Among the selected startups, ChatCash stands out for its unique approach to payments—developing AI-powered, multilingual financial solutions that operate seamlessly within messaging apps. This model aims to make sending and receiving money more accessible for the unbanked and underbanked populations, particularly those in rural or underserved communities. The company said the accelerator will help it further develop its technology, grow its reach, and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s digital transformation.
Also flying the Zimbabwean flag is BigDot.ai, a startup creating blockchain-based financial management tools designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises digitise their operations. By reducing reliance on cash and simplifying the checkout process, BigDot.ai is positioning itself as a key player in the shift towards digital business solutions for African SMEs.
Past participants of Visa’s Africa Fintech Accelerator have raised over $55 million in funding and generated an additional $3 million in revenue—a track record that points to the program’s real-world impact. For Zimbabwean startups, this opportunity offers more than just visibility; it provides a credible springboard for scaling into new markets and connecting with investors and partners from across the continent.
While the journey ahead will ultimately determine the long-term success of ChatCash and BigDot.ai, their selection is already a noteworthy milestone. It reflects not only the depth of Zimbabwe’s tech talent but also the growing appetite for locally built solutions that address Africa’s most pressing financial challenges.
For a country that’s often overlooked in major tech accelerators, having two startups in one of Africa’s most competitive fintech programs is more than symbolic—it’s a sign that Zimbabwe is ready to play a bigger role in shaping the future of digital finance on the continent.
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