Strive Masiyiwa was born in Zimbabwe and trained as an engineer before founding Econet Wireless in the early 1990s, seeking to bring mobile telecommunications to Zimbabwe. He fought a lengthy five-year legal battle against the Zimbabwean government to secure a mobile licence, eventually winning in the country's Supreme Court.
Econet Wireless grew from that initial hard-won licence into one of Africa's largest telecommunications and technology conglomerates, expanding across multiple African countries and into fintech, renewable energy and other sectors, becoming one of the continent's most significant business success stories.
Masiyiwa relocated to London, building an international profile as a business leader, philanthropist and advocate for African development, serving on boards including Netflix and Unilever, and becoming a globally recognised voice on African economic growth and entrepreneurship.
In 2021, Masiyiwa became the first Black billionaire to feature on the Sunday Times Rich List, a landmark recognition of his business success. He has signed the Giving Pledge, committing the majority of his wealth to philanthropy, with a particular focus on African education and entrepreneurship.
- First Black billionaire to feature on the Sunday Times Rich List (2021)
- Founded Econet Wireless, one of Africa's largest telecommunications conglomerates
- Won a five-year legal battle against the Zimbabwean government to secure a mobile licence
- Serves on the boards of Netflix and Unilever
- Giving Pledge signatory, committing the majority of his wealth to African education and development
- Legal persistence can unlock enormous opportunity. His five-year court battle for a telecoms licence became the foundation of a continental business empire.
- Success in one market can expand across a continent. Econet grew from a single Zimbabwean licence into a pan-African conglomerate.
- Wealth can be directed toward systemic development. His philanthropy focuses specifically on African education and entrepreneurship infrastructure.
- Global platforms can amplify regional impact. His international board positions extend his influence on African development to a wider stage.