Genesis Analytics: Unlocking Value in Africa Since 1998
When it comes to shaping Africa’s growth story, few consultancies carry the credibility, experience, and vision of Genesis Analytics. Established in 1998 in Johannesburg, South Africa, the firm has built a reputation as one of the continent’s most dynamic and impact-driven consulting practices. With operations that extend far beyond South Africa’s borders, Genesis Analytics has worked in more than 115 countries, supporting governments, corporations, development partners, and non-profits in tackling some of the most pressing challenges of our time.
At its heart, Genesis Analytics is more than a traditional business consulting firm. It positions itself as an impact consultancy—an organisation that blends applied economics, behavioural insights, and strategic advisory to deliver both commercial and social value. The firm’s purpose is simple but ambitious: to unlock the vast, latent opportunities within Africa and across what it terms the “Young World.”
In this article, we explore the journey, philosophy, and impact of Genesis Analytics. We will also examine its key specialties, global reach, and the values that continue to shape its legacy.
The Story Behind Genesis Analytics
Founded with Purpose
Genesis Analytics was founded in 1998 in Johannesburg by economist Stephan Malherbe. Starting with just two employees in a small suburban office, the firm has since expanded into a multi-national presence, employing more than 200 people and working across Africa, Asia, and other regions of the globe.
From the very beginning, the mission was clear: to bring the best of economic and business thinking into the service of Africa’s growth story. Over time, this mission has matured into a broader vision of serving both private and public-sector clients by addressing systemic challenges and identifying opportunities for sustainable development.
Headquarters and Offices
The headquarters remain in Johannesburg, Gauteng, the beating heart of South Africa’s economy. From there, Genesis Analytics has grown to establish offices in key African hubs, including Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Lagos, Cape Town, and Abidjan. The expansion has also extended into London, enabling the firm to connect African expertise with global perspectives.
Philosophy and Core Approach
Unlocking Value Across the Young World
Genesis Analytics is driven by the belief that Africa and other emerging economies hold untapped reservoirs of value. These opportunities are not limited to profit alone; they encompass social impact, human development, and systemic transformation.
The firm looks at the world by identifying large opportunities for change—whether in youth employment, climate finance, or digital inclusion—and designing interventions that bridge the gap between vision and execution.
Multi-Faceted Expertise
The firm’s approach is inherently interdisciplinary. By combining expertise in economics, finance, behavioural science, and public policy, Genesis Analytics is able to provide fresh solutions that go beyond conventional consultancy. Many of its most impactful projects come from blending complementary disciplines—for example, using behavioural economics to enhance health financing or applying competition economics to digital regulation.
Areas of Specialisation
Genesis Analytics offers services across a wide spectrum of domains, each tailored to meet the unique needs of governments, corporations, development agencies, and foundations. Some of its most notable specialties include:
Financial Services Strategy
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Expertise in financial sector policy, financial inclusion, and payments.
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Helping banks, fintechs, and regulators to expand access to affordable financial products.
Competition and Regulatory Economics
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Leading authority in competition economics, antitrust, and regulatory strategy.
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Special focus on energy, telecommunications, broadcasting, and trade.
Behavioural Sciences
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Applying insights from behavioural economics to improve decision-making.
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Impact areas include public health, consumer finance, and social programmes.
Human Development
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Working on education, early childhood development, youth employment, and child protection.
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Supporting governments in creating social protection systems that safeguard vulnerable populations.
Health and Public Financing
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Expertise in healthcare system strengthening, health financing, and digital health solutions.
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Monitoring and evaluation to ensure public health programmes deliver maximum impact.
Climate Finance and Economics
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Providing strategies to enable just transitions towards low-carbon economies.
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Designing climate finance mechanisms to fund adaptation and resilience projects.
Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL)
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Rigorous programme evaluations and integrated learning systems.
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Supporting evidence-based policymaking and accountability.
Shared Value and Corporate Impact
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Helping businesses align profit with purpose.
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Designing strategies for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impact.
Clientele and Global Reach
Diverse Clients
Genesis Analytics works with a wide range of clients, including:
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Governments at national, regional, and local levels.
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Corporates and banks across industries such as telecommunications, retail, manufacturing, and energy.
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Development agencies and international organisations.
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Foundations and philanthropies committed to social impact.
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Regulators and law firms seeking evidence-based guidance.
Global Footprint
While born in Africa, Genesis Analytics has steadily expanded its impact. The firm has worked in more than 115 countries worldwide, with projects spanning Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. This combination of local grounding and global reach has enabled Genesis to act as a bridge between African realities and international best practices.
People and Culture
Belonging and Values
One of the defining features of Genesis Analytics is its emphasis on people and values. The firm invests heavily in creating a workplace culture that fosters belonging, ensuring employees feel safe, respected, and valued.
It is also committed to developing the next generation of African economists, equipping them with the skills and exposure needed to compete globally while remaining rooted in local contexts.
Size and Growth
Today, Genesis Analytics employs 201–500 professionals, as reflected in its LinkedIn profile. Many of these experts are economists, strategists, behavioural scientists, and sector specialists who bring unique perspectives to client work.
Website and Contact Information
For clients, partners, or young professionals interested in opportunities, the firm’s official website— https://www.genesis-analytics.com—serves as a comprehensive portal.
Key Details:
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Phone: +27 11 994 7000
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Headquarters: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
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Founded: 1998
Why Genesis Analytics Stands Out
Genesis Analytics distinguishes itself in several ways:
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African Origin with Global Reach: An African consultancy trusted across continents.
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Impact Orientation: A strong focus on creating both social and commercial value.
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Interdisciplinary Expertise: Ability to integrate economics, behavioural science, digital strategy, and climate finance.
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Trusted by Governments and Development Partners: A proven record of working directly with ministries, regulators, and multilateral organisations.
Conclusion
Since its founding in 1998, Genesis Analytics has grown from a small Johannesburg office into one of Africa’s leading consultancies. With expertise spanning financial services, competition economics, behavioural sciences, climate finance, human development, and more, the firm has consistently demonstrated its ability to unlock value for both society and business.
By combining deep African roots with a global outlook, Genesis Analytics continues to influence policy, shape markets, and inspire innovation across the continent and beyond. For governments, corporates, and development agencies seeking meaningful, data-driven solutions, Genesis Analytics remains a trusted partner in navigating the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.
