How IPT Africa became the first  Mauritian fintech selected for the Visa Accelerator Program 2025

On August 5, Visa, a world leader in digital payments, adopted 22 startups for the fourth cohort of its Africa Fintech Accelerator Program. This 12-week initiative supports early-stage fintech companies with training, mentorship, resources, and access to funding. Earlier this year, Visa invested in Ghana’s Oze and Tunisia’s Konnect Networks from the inaugural cohort. The move reinforces its commitment to scaling innovative payment solutions across the continent.

The 2025 list includes companies tackling some of Africa’s toughest financial challenges. South Africa’s Ukheshe is building embedded finance solutions. Kenya’s Pezesha is expanding SME lending infrastructure. Egypt’s Klickit is creating digital payments platforms for schools. Among them is IPT Africa, the first Mauritian company ever chosen for the accelerator.

Mauritius, strategically located in the Indian Ocean between Africa and Asia, has positioned itself as a financial hub. The country connects African markets with global capital flows. Its strong regulatory framework, pro-business policies, and growing digital infrastructure have attracted major investments in banking, insurance, and now fintech. In 2024, financial services contributed over 13% to Mauritius’ GDP. The sector’s average annual growth rate of over 5% outpaces many emerging markets.

IPT Africa’s selection signals that the Mauritian fintech ecosystem is ready to compete on a continental scale.

“We’re incredibly proud to represent Mauritius on this global stage,” said Mark O Sullivan, CEO of IPT Africa. “It’s a signal that Mauritian innovation can compete and lead across Africa. Our selection in the Visa Accelerator Program will accelerate our mission to simplify, connect, and power payments across the continent’s most dynamic markets.”

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Founded in 2017 by O Sullivan, who is also the founder of TecXposition, IPT Africa specialises in cross-border payment solutions for businesses operating across Africa. Its platform enables companies to collect, convert, and pay seamlessly across 21 African countries and in more than 100 currencies. 

The Visa Accelerator Program, now in its fourth year, has supported 60 startups from 25 countries. Participants receive exclusive access to Visa’s developer ecosystem, tailored mentorship, technical integrations, and potential strategic investments.

Through the program, IPT Africa will connect with global fintech leaders, potential partners, and investors. It will also showcase Mauritian innovation on an international platform.

“Being selected to form part of the Visa Accelerator Program is a global vote of confidence in our platform, people, and purpose,” O Sullivan added.