Visa Foundation has pledged $5 million in grants and impact investments to expand opportunities for women entrepreneurs across Africa. The initiative aims to increase equitable access to financial services and strengthen women’s participation in the digital economy.
The funding will focus on supporting women-led businesses in sub-Saharan Africa by improving access to financial solutions, digital tools, and entrepreneurship support programs. The investment is intended to help bridge the digital gender gap as countries across the region continue accelerating digital transformation.
The initiative was announced alongside broader efforts to strengthen women’s economic participation and follows growing commitments toward inclusive financial systems across Africa.
According to Visa, millions of people across Africa still lack access to formal financial services, while digital payment adoption remains relatively low in several markets. Expanding financial inclusion for women is expected to play a key role in supporting economic growth and increasing participation in digital commerce.
The investment also builds on Visa’s broader commitment announced in 2022 to invest $1 billion across Africa over five years to expand operations and support new technologies.
Through previous programs, the Visa Foundation has supported small businesses and women-led enterprises globally, helping organizations improve access to funding, resources, and business development opportunities.
The latest commitment highlights increasing efforts from global institutions to empower women entrepreneurs and strengthen inclusive economic growth across emerging markets.
