With US visa bond, the path to Silicon Valley just got steeper for African startups
- From January 2026, a new US visa bond program will require applicants from over 20 African countries to post a bond for short-term visas.
- The bond amounts will be $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, refundable only if applicants leave the US before their authorized stay expires.
- Countries affected include Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania, Senegal, and others, with implementation dates starting January 21, 2026.
The introduction of the US visa bond program could severely hinder the growth of Africa's tech ecosystem by limiting access to essential resources and networks. This policy may disproportionately affect underrepresented entrepreneurs, such as women and young founders, who lack the financial backing to meet these new requirements. A reevaluation of such policies is crucial to ensure equitable access to opportunities for all entrepreneurs.
