Strive Masiyiwa, born on January 29, 1961, in Zimbabwe, is a prominent entrepreneur, philanthropist, and influential figure in Africa’s telecommunications industry. He is best known as the founder and executive chairman of the Econet Group, an international technology conglomerate comprising Econet Wireless Global and Cassava Technologies.
Entrepreneurial Achievements
Masiyiwa’s journey began with a legal battle against the Zimbabwean government in the late 1990s, which led to the deregulation of the country’s telecommunications sector. This victory paved the way for the establishment of Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, which has grown into a leading telecommunications company in Africa. Under his leadership, the Econet Group expanded its operations beyond Zimbabwe, providing telecommunications services across Africa, Europe, South America, and the East Asia Pacific Rim.
Philanthropic Initiatives
Beyond his business ventures, Masiyiwa is deeply committed to philanthropy. He and his wife, Tsitsi, founded the Higherlife Foundation, which has supported the education of over 250,000 African students. The foundation focuses on empowering disadvantaged children through education and creating opportunities for highly talented young people. Additionally, during the cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe in 2019, the Masiyiwas donated US$10 million to combat the disease and pledged an additional US$60 million to build resilience against future outbreaks.
Global Influence and Recognition
Masiyiwa’s influence extends to various global platforms. He has served on numerous international boards, including the Rockefeller Foundation, where he has been recognized for his business excellence and leadership. In 2020, he was appointed to the Netflix board of directors, bringing his extensive experience in technology and telecommunications to the streaming giant.
His contributions have earned him numerous accolades. In 2014, Fortune Magazine named him one of the 50 most influential business leaders in the world. He has also been recognized as one of the Top 100 most influential Africans by New African magazine. In 2021, Fortune Magazine once again honored him, listing him among the World’s 50 Greatest Leaders for his work with the African Union leading COVID-19 response and vaccine acquisition in Africa.
Retirement from Econet Wireless Zimbabwe
After nearly three decades at the helm, Masiyiwa retired from the board of Econet Wireless Zimbabwe in February 2022. This decision marked the end of an era for the company he founded and led to prominence. Despite stepping down from the board, he retains a majority stake of over 50% in the company, ensuring his continued influence in its strategic direction.
Strive Masiyiwa’s legacy is characterized by his entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to philanthropy, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of Africans through technology and education.
