Visa has partnered with venture capital firm Nest to launch the payments firm’s inaugural FinTech innovation bootcamp in Africa.

The intensive four-day FinTech-focused programme will take place in Nairobi and is designed to accelerate innovation and shape the future of finance for consumers and businesses across the continent.

The Visa Bootcamp will accelerate collaboration opportunities between early stage technology companies, Visa and financial institutions from across Africa for potential integration.

Nest’s team of strategic advisors will join mentors from Visa’s international team, from markets including Kenya, South Africa the UAE, to coach and share insights with the selected participants.

Jabu Basopo, Visa’s general manager for southern and east Africa, said: “At its core, Visa is a technology company and we are constantly evolving to provide immersive, collaborative and localised experiences for our clients and partners in this region. We think the partnership with Nest is an ideal one that brings our collaborative approach to life through the FinTech bootcamp.”

Particular focus areas of the programme include financial inclusion, peer-to-peer lending and merchant payments.

Aaron Fu, managing partner of Nest Africa, added: “We are very excited to be working with Visa to deliver this bootcamp in Nairobi. Our partnership with Visa signals Nest’s continued commitment to African startups looking for access to funding, mentorship and a global network.

Through this partnership with Visa we will be better equipped to offer stronger tangible tools to entrepreneurs, both from Africa and around the world, who want to make a difference to banking and payments for individuals and businesses across the continent.”

Applications open on 5 December 2016 and close at midnight on 10th February 2017. The four-day programme commences on 24 March 2017 in Nairobi.

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