Ray Youssef, the co-founder and CEO of Paxful, a prominent peer-to-peer Bitcoin marketplace, is also the visionary behind the Built With Bitcoin Foundation, a charitable initiative demonstrating blockchain technology's humanitarian potential. His journey into advocating for Bitcoin was shaped by a profound realization during his participation in the 2011 Egyptian Revolution and Occupy Wall Street: the traditional financial system was fundamentally flawed. This led to an "aha moment" with Bitcoin, which he recognized as a revolutionary solution offering global market access to anyone, anywhere, thus marking the beginning of his peer-to-peer Bitcoin advocacy.

Paxful was founded to provide a simple, fair, and secure platform for trading Bitcoin and other digital assets. Distinguishing itself with over 450 accepted payment methods, Paxful has become one of the most accessible and user-friendly Bitcoin marketplaces globally, with a particular impact in Africa. Youssef recalls building Paxful's initial trading system over a single weekend, constantly refining it based on direct user feedback. He firmly believes that Paxful's greatest triumph lies in its users—over 12 million strong—who have illuminated Bitcoin's true "killer app": not merely an asset for the wealthy, but a powerful means of exchange capable of transforming centuries-old financial structures.

Africa has emerged as a cornerstone of Paxful's success, with Nigeria standing out as its largest market. The crypto firm reports over 2.5 million users and more than $3.5 billion in trade volume in Nigeria alone, facilitated by the acceptance of over 450 payment methods. Youssef attributes this remarkable adoption to the inherent demand and entrepreneurial spirit prevalent among Africans, particularly in Nigeria. He highlights the challenging economic landscape faced by Nigerians, including an unemployment rate exceeding 30%, inflation above 20%, cash withdrawal limits, and currency redenomination, which he terms "economic apartheid." Bitcoin, in this context, offers a vital pathway to financial liberation.

Youssef observes a distinct difference between entrepreneurship in Africa and the West, noting that African entrepreneurship is often driven by necessity rather than desire. In environments where traditional job opportunities are scarce, individuals are compelled to forge their own paths. Through Paxful, many Africans are establishing money transfer businesses that offer a cost-effective alternative to established services like Western Union, while others are forming arbitrage teams. This empowerment, allowing users to build businesses and strengthen their national economies, is a source of immense pride for Youssef.

Despite the promise, the African continent has faced setbacks due to fraudulent "shitcoin" projects that have deterred some from legitimate Bitcoin adoption. To counter this, Ray Youssef and Paxful actively educate communities on Bitcoin's legitimate applications, primarily through the Built With Bitcoin Foundation. This initiative has made significant humanitarian contributions, including building and repairing twelve schools and education centers, implementing seven solar projects, and developing over a dozen water and farming systems, collectively serving hundreds of thousands of people, predominantly in Africa. Their latest endeavor is the Bitcoin Technology Center (BTC) in Ghana, launched in December, which aims to foster a legacy of entrepreneurship and self-empowerment through financial and technological education.

Addressing the complex issue of blockchain regulation, Ray Youssef advocates for a forward-thinking approach. He posits that rather than attempting to force Bitcoin regulations into outdated legacy laws, countries should adopt a new framework tailored to this novel form of finance. He asserts that Bitcoin should not be subjected to the same regulations as securities and commodities. Youssef's primary objective in engaging with government officials and regulators is to illustrate how Bitcoin can bolster national economies, offering a tool for greater self-sovereignty and reducing reliance on international powers that influence price discovery and monetary control.

Ray Youssef firmly believes that Bitcoin represents the future of finance, and Africa, driven by innovation born from desperation, is poised to lead this revolution. While the Built With Bitcoin Foundation currently has 12 schools built globally, including two in Nigeria, the ambitious goal is to establish 100 schools worldwide. Youssef's unwavering commitment to supporting Nigeria and its people underscores his conviction that Africa will be the primary focus of his time and resources for the foreseeable future, as he sees it as the epicenter of finance's evolution.