Mary Ifeoma Otigbu on Bitcoin, Youth, and Open Minds
Name: Mary Ifeoma Otigbu
Public name: Ifyfofo
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Cohort: 2
X (Twitter): @ifyfofo
If Emmanuel’s story is about building foundations, Mary Ifeoma Otigbu’s is about expanding reach.
Based in Johannesburg, Mary is focused on one of the most critical pillars of any emerging system: education.
Through partnerships, training programs, and public teaching, she is helping introduce young Africans to Bitcoin not as hype, but as knowledge.
As Part 2 of the “Proof of Work: Alumni Building the Bitcoin Future in Africa” series, Mary’s story shows how adoption scales when learning becomes intentional.
Q: Mary, how did you first encounter Bitcoin?
A friend and colleague introduced me to Bitcoin as an effective medium of transaction for a project we were working on. That practical exposure made me curious, and from there I began learning more deeply.
Q: What stayed with you from the Bitcoin Africa Story program?
I learned the importance of accurate knowledge in financial transactions and the danger of having a stereotypical mindset. BAS really opened me up to new ways of thinking about money and technology.
Q: What have you been doing with Bitcoin since graduating?
I actively use Bitcoin and also train others. We’ve partnered with Bitcoin African Story to train youths on Bitcoin knowledge. I have also participated as a guest lecturer in the Bitcoin Diploma course offered by Bitcoin African Story.
Q: Why is youth education such a strong focus for you?
Because knowledge is progressive. When young people understand something early, it shapes how they build their future. Bitcoin education opens minds to endless financial possibilities.
Q: What impact have you seen so far?
Being able to teach, partner, and lecture has been very fulfilling. Seeing young people engage seriously with Bitcoin and financial education shows that the interest is real and growing.
Q: Have you faced major challenges?
No major challenges. For me, the journey has been about consistency and continuous learning.
Q: What advice would you share with others?
Keep learning. Keep growing. Open your heart to new things. Knowledge is never a waste.
Mary’s work demonstrates that ecosystems don’t grow by tools alone—they grow through people who are taught, trained, and empowered.
Next in the Proof of Work Alumni Spotlight Series
Education builds understanding, but belief is what turns knowledge into lifestyle. In our next spotlight, we meet an alumnus whose Bitcoin journey is rooted in everyday use, personal conviction, and grassroots meetups.
Part 3: From Currency to Conviction — featuring Denis Swai, Arusha, Tanzania.