Strive Masiyiwa

Early Life and Background

Strive Masiyiwa was born on January 29, 1961, in what was then Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). At the age of seven, his family relocated to Kitwe, a mining town in Zambia, following Rhodesia's Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI). His early life in Zambia was marked by a relatively comfortable upbringing, facilitated by his mother's entrepreneurial ventures in retail, catering, and textiles, and his father's career in the mining sector. This exposure to business at a young age likely influenced his future path. Masiyiwa's parents, staunch opponents of the white minority rule in Rhodesia, invested significantly in his education, sending him abroad for his secondary and tertiary studies to ensure he received the best possible opportunities.

Education

After completing his primary education in Zambia, Strive Masiyiwa pursued his secondary education in Scotland. He then enrolled at the University of Wales, Cardiff, where he distinguished himself academically. In 1983, he successfully earned a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Following his graduation, he spent a brief period working in the computer industry in England. However, driven by a desire to contribute to the development of his homeland, he returned to Zimbabwe in 1984, just four years after the country gained independence.

Career

Upon his return to Zimbabwe in 1984, Masiyiwa initially worked for the state-owned Zimbabwe Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (PTC). His tenure there was short-lived, as his entrepreneurial spirit quickly led him to establish his own engineering and construction firm, Retrofit Engineering. This venture rapidly grew into one of Zimbabwe's largest electrical contracting companies, playing a significant role in various infrastructure projects across the country. Through Retrofit Engineering, Masiyiwa gained invaluable experience in managing large-scale operations and navigating the complexities of the Zimbabwean business environment.

The pivotal moment in Masiyiwa's career came in 1993 when he identified the immense potential for mobile telecommunications in Zimbabwe. He applied for a license to operate a mobile network, but his application was repeatedly denied by the Zimbabwean government, which maintained a state monopoly on telecommunications through the PTC. The government initially claimed there was 'no need' for a second mobile operator and later attempted to award the license to a state-controlled entity. Undeterred, Masiyiwa embarked on a five-year legal and political battle against the government, arguing that the state monopoly was unconstitutional and violated the fundamental right to freedom of expression. This protracted legal challenge culminated in a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe in 1998, which sided with Masiyiwa, ending the state monopoly and paving the way for the launch of Econet Wireless. The launch of Econet Wireless marked a significant turning point, as it quickly became the largest mobile network operator in Zimbabwe, transforming the country's communication landscape.

Recognizing the political and economic instability within Zimbabwe, Masiyiwa strategically pursued international expansion. Econet Wireless rapidly grew its footprint across Africa, establishing operations and making investments in countries such as Nigeria, Botswana, Lesotho, Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and South Africa. Beyond Africa, Econet expanded its reach to the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and other markets. A key part of his strategy was the founding of Liquid Telecom (now Liquid Intelligent Technologies) in 2009, which developed into Africa's largest independent fiber optic network, providing critical digital infrastructure across the continent. More recently, Masiyiwa orchestrated the formation of Cassava Technologies, a diversified technology group that encompasses Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Africa Data Centres, Sasai Fintech, and Vaya Technologies, aiming to build a digitally connected future for Africa. His global influence extends to numerous prestigious boards, including Unilever, the National Geographic Society, the Global Advisory Board of Bank of America, and Stanford University's Digital Civil Society Lab. He also co-chairs the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development and served as the African Union's Special Envoy to procure COVID-19 vaccines, demonstrating his commitment to pan-African development and global health.

Major Achievements

Strive Masiyiwa's career is marked by several groundbreaking achievements. His most significant contribution is undoubtedly pioneering mobile telecommunications in Zimbabwe and across Africa, democratizing access to communication and fostering economic growth. The successful five-year legal battle against the Zimbabwean government to secure an operating license for Econet Wireless is a testament to his unwavering determination and set a crucial precedent for challenging state monopolies and advocating for private enterprise and the rule of law in Africa. He transformed Econet Wireless from a nascent Zimbabwean operator into a diversified global telecommunications and technology powerhouse, with a strong presence across multiple continents. Through the Higherlife Foundation, co-founded with his wife Tsitsi Masiyiwa, he has become a leading philanthropist, investing hundreds of millions of dollars in education, health, and rural transformation initiatives across Africa. Masiyiwa's influence extends to the global stage, where he serves on numerous influential international boards and advisory roles, advocating for African development, technology adoption, and entrepreneurship. His instrumental role as the African Union's Special Envoy in procuring COVID-19 vaccines for the continent further solidified his position as a key figure in global health and diplomacy.

Personal Life

Strive Masiyiwa is married to Tsitsi Masiyiwa, and together they have six children: Elizabeth, Tanya, Vimbai, Mandi, Joshua, and Noah. He is a devout Christian, and his faith is a significant aspect of his personal and professional life, influencing his ethical business practices and extensive philanthropic endeavors. Although he maintains strong ties to Zimbabwe and Africa, Masiyiwa primarily resides in London, United Kingdom. Alongside his wife, he established the Higherlife Foundation in 2002, which has grown into one of the largest philanthropic organizations in Africa. The foundation focuses on transforming lives through education, health, and sustainable livelihoods, particularly for orphaned and vulnerable children. Masiyiwa is known for his strong stance against corruption, advocating for good governance and ethical leadership across the continent.

Legacy

Strive Masiyiwa leaves an enduring legacy as a visionary entrepreneur who fundamentally transformed the telecommunications landscape in Africa. His courage in challenging a state monopoly through legal means established a vital precedent for constitutionalism and the rule of law in business, empowering countless other entrepreneurs. He is not merely a businessman but a leading philanthropist, whose Higherlife Foundation has made profound investments in human capital development, particularly in education and health, shaping the future of African youth. Masiyiwa stands as an influential voice on global development, technology, and African affairs, consistently championing the continent's potential. His journey and achievements have inspired a generation of African entrepreneurs to pursue their visions, overcome obstacles, and contribute meaningfully to their societies, cementing his status as one of Africa's most impactful leaders.