Founder and CEO, Anansesem
Tema, Ghana
What inspired you to join Mountaintop?
"To be part of a cohort of socially minded leaders who are driven to have a lasting impact on their society and community."
Jefferson W. Agbai is a purpose driven social entrepreneur and systems change leader with over 15 years of experience building high impact ventures across Africa. His work spans inclusive finance, youth empowerment, EdTech, and digital innovation in agriculture, with a consistent focus on expanding opportunity for underserved communities. As Founder & CEO of Cyrus Africa and Ekulibi Africa, Jefferson has pioneered credit scoring solutions that connect smallholder and shea nut farmers in low income communities to financial services and market linkages, enabling thousands to build stable livelihoods.
He is also the Co Founder & CEO of the Anansesem Foundation, where he leads digital learning initiatives that use culturally resonant storytelling to advance literacy and support out of school youth. His leadership has shaped programs that reach diverse learners and empower communities through culturally relevant, tech enabled education.
Jefferson previously served as Country Director and Sub Regional Leader for JA Worldwide (Ghana & West Africa), overseeing operations across multiple countries, strengthening governance structures, and building multinational partnerships to scale youth economic empowerment. His work earned recognition from UNFPA and other global institutions for advancing youth leadership and development.
His earlier career includes financial sector leadership roles at SDC Finance & Leasing, IC Securities West Africa, and SDC Brokerage Services, where he managed institutional assets, built investment products, and led private equity and advisory initiatives.
Jefferson holds an Executive MSc in Social Business & Entrepreneurship from the London School of Economics, an Executive MBA in Corporate Strategy & Economic Policy from Maastricht School of Management, and executive training from the Harvard Kennedy School, ILO–ITC Turin, and the Graduate Institute Geneva.
Driven by a deep belief in equity, dignity, and community centered innovation, Jefferson continues to build mission aligned ventures that expand access, shift systems, and create generational impact across Africa and the global South.