Njamba Koffi, a 26-year-old force of resilience and creativity, channels his lived experiences as a refugee into transformative work that spans continents. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Koffi’s path has carved a mosaic of achievement against the backdrop of displacement. His journey—interwoven with his role as a community leader, poet, author, public speaker, and amateur musician—defies the limitations imposed by circumstance and celebrates the power of perseverance.
At the heart of Koffi’s work lies Refuge-e: The Journey Much Desired, a memoir that serves as both a chronicle of survival and a testament to hope. Through the lens of John, a young refugee navigating the harrowing landscapes of Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi and later Mpaka Camp in Swaziland, the book brings to life the unyielding courage of those uprooted by conflict. It captures the grit of a boy who refuses to surrender to despair, forging ahead to lead school organizations, top academic charts, and ultimately, break free into opportunities in Germany. The memoir reveals the intricate dance between systemic barriers and personal determination, casting light on the global refugee crisis while humanizing its impact.
Koffi’s storytelling mirrors his own journey. Arriving in Canada, he earned a degree in International Relations and Creative Writing at the University of British Columbia, where he became a campus leader advocating for African perspectives and refugee awareness. Now pursuing an MBA at UBC’s Sauder School of Business, he balances his academic pursuits with leadership roles that uplift marginalized communities. As a Research and Design Manager in Grants and Community Initiatives department at Vancouver Foundation, an active board member for organizations d The Inclusion Project, and a frequent speaker and performer, Koffi uses every platform to inspire.
His work transcends borders. Whether teaching seminars on refugee experiences at Yale University or engaging in grassroots advocacy in Canada, Koffi builds bridges between narratives of struggle and possibilities of triumph. With Refuge-e: The Journey Much Desired anchoring his mission, he reminds us that behind every statistic lies a story, and behind every story, a person who dares to dream against all odds.
2025 © Njamba Koffi