Strive Masiyiwa Biography
Strive Masiyiwa is a name that echoes across Africa as a symbol of courage, innovation, and generosity. Born in Zimbabwe, he rose from humble beginnings to become one of Africa’s most influential billionaires. He founded Econet Wireless, a telecom giant that brought mobile phones to millions across the continent. His journey wasn’t easy. In the 1990s, he fought a five-year legal battle against Zimbabwe’s government to break its telecom monopoly, paving the way for private businesses in Africa. Today, he’s not just a business tycoon but a philanthropist who has educated thousands of African youth. This biography tells the story of a man who turned challenges into opportunities, reshaping Africa’s digital and social landscape. We’ll cover his early life, education, career, personal life, awards, net worth, and lasting legacy, answering common questions about his incredible life.
Strive Masiyiwa Early Life
Strive Masiyiwa was born on January 29, 1961, in Southern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. His early years were shaped by a turbulent time in his country’s history. At age seven, his family moved to Kitwe, Zambia, to escape the unrest during Rhodesia’s push for independence under Ian Smith’s regime. His mother, a small-scale entrepreneur, ran a business to support the family, teaching young Strive the value of hard work. He attended primary school in Zambia, where he showed a knack for problem-solving.
At 12, his family sent him to Scotland for secondary education at Arundel School. Living abroad exposed him to new ideas and cultures, shaping his global outlook. In 1978, at 17, he briefly considered joining the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa but chose education instead, a decision that set the stage for his future. His early experiences in a politically volatile region and his mother’s entrepreneurial spirit instilled resilience and ambition, qualities that would define his later success.
Strive Masiyiwa Education
Masiyiwa’s academic path laid the foundation for his tech career. After secondary school in Scotland, he enrolled at the University of Wales, earning a degree in electrical engineering in 1983. His studies focused on telecommunications, a field he saw as key to Africa’s future. While in the UK, he worked briefly in Cambridge’s growing computer industry, gaining practical skills in technology.
Returning to Zimbabwe in 1984, he joined the state-owned Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (PTC) as an engineer. This job gave him firsthand insight into Africa’s outdated telecom systems. Frustrated by the lack of innovation, he began dreaming of a private telecom company. To fund his vision, he saved $75, a small but crucial step toward entrepreneurship. In 2024, Stellenbosch University awarded him an honorary doctorate, recognizing his contributions to African technology and philanthropy. His education blended technical expertise with a bold vision, preparing him to challenge the status quo.
Strive Masiyiwa Career
Strive Masiyiwa’s career is a story of grit and groundbreaking achievements. In 1993, he founded Econet Wireless in Zimbabwe, aiming to bring mobile phones to a country with limited access. The government, which controlled telecoms, rejected his license application. Undeterred, Masiyiwa launched a five-year legal battle, taking the case to Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court. In 1998, he won, citing freedom of expression, and Econet launched that same year. The company quickly grew, listing on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange and gaining thousands of subscribers despite economic challenges.
Forced into exile in 2000 due to political tensions, Masiyiwa relocated to South Africa and expanded Econet across Africa and beyond. He entered markets like Nigeria (now Airtel), Botswana (Mascom), and New Zealand (2degrees). By 2021, he merged his ventures into Cassava Technologies, a tech giant focusing on fiber optics, cloud services, and AI. In 2025, he announced $720 million for AI factories in five African countries, cementing his role as a tech visionary. His career shows how persistence and innovation can transform industries.
Strive Masiyiwa Personal Life
Strive Masiyiwa’s personal life reflects his values of family, faith, and service. He married Tsitsi Masiyiwa in the 1980s, and they have six children. Tsitsi, a philanthropist, co-leads their Higherlife Foundation, which has supported over 250,000 African students. The couple moved to London in 2000 for safety and to manage their growing businesses. Their partnership is a cornerstone of their success, earning them the David Rockefeller Bridging Leadership Award in May 2025 for their joint impact.
Masiyiwa’s Pentecostal faith guides his life. He often shares his “10 Rules of Success,” like “See opportunity where others see obstacles,” on platforms like X (@striveMasiyiwa). He mentors young entrepreneurs, emphasizing hard work and integrity. Despite his wealth, he remains grounded, living modestly in London and focusing on empowering others. His family’s unity and shared mission make his personal story as inspiring as his professional one.
Strive Masiyiwa Awards
Strive Masiyiwa’s contributions have earned him global recognition. Here’s a list of his notable honors:
- Fortune’s 50 Greatest Leaders (2017, 2021): Recognized for transforming Africa’s telecom landscape.
- TIME100 AI List (2025): Honored for his AI investments in Africa.
- Forbes Africa’s Billionaires List (2025): Ranked #21 for his $2.7 billion empire.
- W.E.B. Du Bois Medal (2023): Awarded by Harvard for contributions to African development.
- American Academy of Arts and Sciences Honorary Member (2023): For global business leadership.
- Stellenbosch University Honorary Doctorate (2024): For advancing African tech and education.
- New African’s Top 100 Most Influential Africans (multiple years): For consistent impact.
- David Rockefeller Bridging Leadership Award (2025): Shared with Tsitsi for philanthropy.
These awards highlight his role as a trailblazer in business and social good, inspiring millions across Africa and beyond.
Strive Masiyiwa Net Worth
As of January 2025, Forbes estimates Strive Masiyiwa’s net worth at $2.7 billion, making him one of Africa’s richest people. His wealth comes primarily from his stakes in Econet Wireless and Cassava Technologies. However, his fortune has fluctuated, dropping to around $1.2 billion in some years due to Zimbabwe’s economic instability and market changes. His investments in telecom, fiber optics, and AI, including a $720 million AI factory project announced in 2025, continue to drive his financial growth.
Masiyiwa’s wealth isn’t just about numbers. He’s a Giving Pledge signatory, committing to donate most of his fortune to philanthropy. Through the Higherlife Foundation, he’s funded education for 250,000 students and supported 40,000 orphans. His focus on impact over accumulation sets him apart, showing that true wealth lies in uplifting communities.
Conclusion
Strive Masiyiwa’s life is a testament to what’s possible with vision and determination. From a young boy in a war-torn region to a billionaire reshaping Africa’s digital future, he’s overcome immense challenges. His legal victory in Zimbabwe opened doors for private telecoms across Africa. His companies, like Econet and Cassava Technologies, have connected millions and pushed boundaries in AI and sustainability. His philanthropy, through the Higherlife Foundation, has changed countless lives. Masiyiwa’s story teaches us to see opportunities in obstacles, invest in people, and stay true to our values. Follow his wisdom on X (@striveMasiyiwa) and apply his “10 Rules of Success” to your own journey. Africa’s future, as he says, is in our hands.
FAQs
Where was Strive Masiyiwa born?
He was born in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) on January 29, 1961.
How did Strive Masiyiwa make his money?
He founded Econet Wireless in 1998 after a legal battle in Zimbabwe, expanding it across Africa and into tech ventures like Cassava Technologies, focusing on telecom, fiber, and AI.
What is Strive Masiyiwa’s net worth in 2025?
Forbes estimates his net worth at $2.7 billion in January 2025, though it has fluctuated due to economic conditions.
Who is Strive Masiyiwa’s wife?
Tsitsi Masiyiwa, his wife since the 1980s, is a philanthropist and co-leader of the Higherlife Foundation.
How did Strive Masiyiwa start Econet?
He launched Econet in 1993, won a landmark court case in 1998 to break Zimbabwe’s telecom monopoly, and grew it into a pan-African powerhouse.
What has Strive Masiyiwa done for charity?
Through the Higherlife Foundation, he’s provided scholarships for 250,000 students, supported 40,000 orphans, and funded health initiatives like Ebola and cholera responses.
What are Strive Masiyiwa’s latest investments?
In 2025, he announced $720 million for AI factories in South Africa, Rwanda, Ghana, Eswatini, and Uganda to boost Africa’s tech future.