Kofi Genfi’s journey into the world of technology and entrepreneurship began early. Born in Ghana, he attended Presbyterian Boys Senior High School (PRESEC) in Legon, where his fascination with computers took root. He was the kind of student who would tinker with gadgets, often breaking them apart to understand how they worked. There were times breaking things was costly— so were some ideas that ended in failure. However, failures didn’t deter him; they fueled his curiosity.
His time at PRESEC also led to a significant friendship with Nii Osae Dade, a like-minded tech enthusiast. Together, they would later build something extraordinary. After high school, Genfi pursued a degree in Business Administration at Ashesi University, an institution known for its strong emphasis on ethical leadership and entrepreneurship. It was there that he honed the strategic thinking skills necessary to transform ideas into scalable businesses.
At just 19 years old, while still in university, Genfi co-founded Creative Young Smart Technologies (CYST) alongside Dade. Their vision was ambitious: to leverage technology to solve everyday problems, particularly in the financial sector. They wanted to challenge conventional banking systems and create solutions tailored for emerging markets. In 2017, this vision materialized in the form of Mazzuma, a mobile payments platform that revolutionized peer-to-peer transactions in Africa.
Mazzuma disrupted the market by allowing seamless money transfers across different mobile networks with zero transfer fees. This was a game-changer in a continent where mobile money was popular but often came with high transaction costs. Users could also purchase airtime and pay bills through the platform, making financial transactions smoother and more accessible. The success of Mazzuma signaled that Genfi and his team were onto something big.
Despite their early achievements, challenges loomed large. One of the biggest hurdles was regulatory resistance to blockchain and cryptocurrency technology, a key component of Mazzuma’s infrastructure. Many governments had begun cracking down on crypto-related activities, citing security risks and economic instability. Such bans threatened to stifle innovation, but Genfi remained undeterred. He viewed these restrictions as temporary roadblocks, believing that as governments became more informed, they would recognize the value of blockchain and digital assets. His stance was clear: cryptocurrency wasn’t a scam, but a misunderstood technology that had the potential to reshape global finance. By 2022, Mazzuma had processed over $150 million in transactions, proving its scalability and impact.
Genfi’s ability to navigate these challenges while staying focused on innovation set him apart. Under his leadership, CYST expanded its portfolio beyond mobile payments. The company ventured into artificial intelligence with the launch of MazzumaGPT, an AI-driven tool designed to help developers generate smart contracts efficiently. With over 400 developers from 70 countries using the platform within its first month, MazzumaGPT positioned itself as a critical tool in the Web3 ecosystem. The platform was trained on two major blockchain languages, making it easier for developers to create decentralized applications.
CYST itself evolved into more than just a tech startup — it became a movement. The company’s philosophy was rooted in faith, hope, and love, values that guided its approach to business. The team, known as ‘Cystians,’ believed in pushing boundaries and challenging conventions. The goal was not just building technology for the sake of it; but creating solutions that redefined the African tech narrative.
Genfi’s contributions did not go unnoticed. In 2018, he and his co-founder were recognized in Forbes’ prestigious “30 Under 30” list in the technology category, cementing their status as rising stars in Africa’s innovation space. He also became a member of the Thiel Fellowship Network, an initiative founded by billionaire entrepreneur Peter Thiel to support unconventional thinkers. These accolades reinforced his belief that African entrepreneurs could compete on the global stage.
Aside from his professional pursuits, Genfi is an advocate for continuous learning and personal growth. He has a keen interest in free-running, an activity that mirrors his approach to business — adventurous, strategic, and always pushing limits.
His public speaking skills, honed over the years, also earned him a spot as the only Ghanaian finalist in the 2015 International Public Speaking Competition in London. More recently, he has been an active speaker at industry summits like the Africa Money & DeFi Summit, where he shares insights on fintech and blockchain innovation.
Looking ahead, Genfi remains focused on expansion. He envisions a future where Mazzuma and CYST’s other products become integral to financial ecosystems not just in Africa, but globally. With emerging technologies like AI and blockchain gaining traction, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of this digital revolution.
Kofi Genfi’s story is that of resilience, vision, and the power of innovation. From a young boy dismantling gadgets in Ghana to a tech entrepreneur shaping the future of finance, his journey embodies what it means to dream big and execute with precision. As he continues to break barriers, one thing is clear: Africa’s tech renaissance has a bold leader in Kofi Genfi.