Synopsis
Strive Masiyiwa, the visionary force behind Econet Global and Cassava Technologies, emerges as a trailblazer who defies odds and shatters barriers. With a wealth of $1.8 billion, he’s not only a technological guru but also a relentless advocate for education, health, and digital inclusion across Africa.
Masiyiwa makes even the most daunting obstacles quiver like feeble shadows in the face of his unwavering determination. Masiyiwa’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and boundless philanthropy that inspires you to embrace your passion and overcome challenges.
Masiyiwa makes even the most daunting obstacles quiver like feeble shadows in the face of his unwavering determination. Masiyiwa’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and boundless philanthropy that inspires you to embrace your passion and overcome challenges.
Introduction
In the intricate embroidery of innovation and leadership, one name emerges as a radiant thread weaving through the fabric of progress: Strive Masiyiwa. With the brilliance of a star illuminating the cosmos, he stands as a giant of technological empires, a visionary with a commanding presence that shapes industries and uplifts continents.
At the helm of Econet Global and Cassava Technologies, his accomplishments tower like monuments to his indomitable spirit. A trustee of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and a guiding force at Netflix and Unilever, Masiyiwa’s legacy is a mixture of impact, resonating across business, philanthropy, and the human spirit itself like a brilliant cocktail.
His journey is proof of boundless resilience, unwavering determination, and the unquenchable fire of innovation, making him not just a role model, but a force of nature in the realms of achievement.
At the helm of Econet Global and Cassava Technologies, his accomplishments tower like monuments to his indomitable spirit. A trustee of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and a guiding force at Netflix and Unilever, Masiyiwa’s legacy is a mixture of impact, resonating across business, philanthropy, and the human spirit itself like a brilliant cocktail.
His journey is proof of boundless resilience, unwavering determination, and the unquenchable fire of innovation, making him not just a role model, but a force of nature in the realms of achievement.
- Who Is Strive Masiyiwa?
- What Makes Strive Masiyiwa So Special?
- What Does Strive Masiyiwa Care About?
- What Are Strive Masiyiwa’s Greatest Deeds?
- What Has Strive Masiyiwa Faced as Challenges?
- What Keeps Strive Masiyiwa Motivated?
- Why Is Strive Masiyiwa Such a Role Model?
- What Is Strive Masiyiwa Currently Working On?
- What Could Slow Strive Masiyiwa Down?
- What Can You Learn From Strive Masiyiwa?
1. Who Is Strive Masiyiwa?
Marvel at the extraordinary brilliance that is Strive Masiyiwa! He stands as the mastermind behind the monumental global technological empires, Econet Global and Cassava Technologies, and shapes the very fabric of innovation with his commanding presence as founder and dynamic executive chairman.
His dominion extends far beyond these towering achievements. He graces the ranks of the eminent Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as a trustee, casting his wisdom into the foundation’s hallowed endeavors. He assumes a mantle of authority on the boards of none other than Netflix and Unilever, steering these giants with his visionary insights.
Strive Masiyiwa’s wealth stands as a testament to his peerless ingenuity, soaring to an astonishing $1.8 billion. His impact is immeasurable and his legacy influences only for greatness!
His dominion extends far beyond these towering achievements. He graces the ranks of the eminent Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as a trustee, casting his wisdom into the foundation’s hallowed endeavors. He assumes a mantle of authority on the boards of none other than Netflix and Unilever, steering these giants with his visionary insights.
Strive Masiyiwa’s wealth stands as a testament to his peerless ingenuity, soaring to an astonishing $1.8 billion. His impact is immeasurable and his legacy influences only for greatness!
2. What Makes Strive Masiyiwa So Special?

Strive Masiyiwa defies the relentless onslaught of government opposition with unwavering determination, and births the revolutionary marvel – Econet Wireless Zimbabwe in 1998. His business conquests span the vast expanse of Africa and spill over into realms no one knows.
Behold his ensemble of success, he organizes fiber optic and satellite ballets, unleashes fintech thunderbolts, and illuminates nations with the electric brilliance of his power distribution solutions. Not content with Earthly domains, he soars into the digital firmament and crafts e-commerce constellations that set ablaze the night of stagnation.
Yet, Strive Masiyiwa’s narrative is not confined to corporate realms alone. No, he is a visionary whose leadership blazes trails through the thickest jungles of global challenges. Like a modern-day Hercules, he wrestles with climate change, strikes at the heart of poverty, and brandishes the sword of knowledge against the hydra of ignorance through his tireless crusade for education.
With a healer’s touch, he tends to the world’s ailments and channels his efforts into the sanctums of health and digital inclusion, weaving change that spans continents and cultures.
Behold his ensemble of success, he organizes fiber optic and satellite ballets, unleashes fintech thunderbolts, and illuminates nations with the electric brilliance of his power distribution solutions. Not content with Earthly domains, he soars into the digital firmament and crafts e-commerce constellations that set ablaze the night of stagnation.
Yet, Strive Masiyiwa’s narrative is not confined to corporate realms alone. No, he is a visionary whose leadership blazes trails through the thickest jungles of global challenges. Like a modern-day Hercules, he wrestles with climate change, strikes at the heart of poverty, and brandishes the sword of knowledge against the hydra of ignorance through his tireless crusade for education.
With a healer’s touch, he tends to the world’s ailments and channels his efforts into the sanctums of health and digital inclusion, weaving change that spans continents and cultures.
3. What Does Strive Masiyiwa Care About?
Strive Masiyiwa, a true beacon of benevolence and transformation, radiates his passion to craft an optimistic impact on the globe through business acumen and boundless philanthropic endeavors.
With a heart as vast as the universe itself, he and his remarkable wife Tsitsi ignite the flames of hope through the inception of the Higherlife Foundation—an awe-inspiring entity that serves as a lifeline to the destitute and orphans across the lands of Zimbabwe, South Africa, Burundi, and Lesotho.
His benevolent scholarships over two electrifying decades, pave a golden road for more than a quarter of a million young African souls, propelling them toward a destiny full of promise and possibility.
He makes magnanimous donations up to millions in the valiant battle against the scourges of HIV/AIDS, malaria, and Ebola. His financial crusades aren’t mere gestures—they’re fervent battles in the arena of humanity’s survival, each dollar as a valiant knight charges into the fray against these monstrous afflictions.
Strive Masiyiwa emerges as a sentinel, a relentless advocate for democracy, a paladin for human rights, and an unwavering crusader for the sanctity of good governance throughout Africa.
With a heart as vast as the universe itself, he and his remarkable wife Tsitsi ignite the flames of hope through the inception of the Higherlife Foundation—an awe-inspiring entity that serves as a lifeline to the destitute and orphans across the lands of Zimbabwe, South Africa, Burundi, and Lesotho.
His benevolent scholarships over two electrifying decades, pave a golden road for more than a quarter of a million young African souls, propelling them toward a destiny full of promise and possibility.
He makes magnanimous donations up to millions in the valiant battle against the scourges of HIV/AIDS, malaria, and Ebola. His financial crusades aren’t mere gestures—they’re fervent battles in the arena of humanity’s survival, each dollar as a valiant knight charges into the fray against these monstrous afflictions.
Strive Masiyiwa emerges as a sentinel, a relentless advocate for democracy, a paladin for human rights, and an unwavering crusader for the sanctity of good governance throughout Africa.
4. What Are Strive Masiyiwa’s Greatest Deeds?
Strive Masiyiwa’s monumental achievements leave an indelible mark on the landscape of human accomplishment, shaking the very foundations of possibility. With a triumphant spirit, he fearlessly carves out a new era in Zimbabwe’s telecommunications history – Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, the radiant beacon of private mobile innovation that shatters government barriers.
He founds Liquid Telecom, the titan of connectivity that spans the African continent like an intricate neural network of progress, with over 70,000 kilometers of fiber optic threads weaving together the dreams of 13 nations. Strive Masiyiwa transforms mere cables into lifelines of unity, speeds up growth, and breathes life into the very essence of modern interconnectivity.
Masiyiwa sets up a digital marvel, Cassava Technologies, a treasure trove that offers mobile money, e-commerce, health insurance salvation, educational enlightenment, and agricultural renaissance. Strive transforms smartphones into wands of empowerment, enriching the lives of millions across the vast expanse of Africa.
Masiyiwa, the compassion incarnate, takes the stage with Generation Africa – a kingdom where young agripreneurs dive headfirst into a sea of endless possibilities. His magical touch transforms barren soil into fields of dreams, where the harvest is not just crops – it’s the promise of a prosperous destiny for an entire generation.
At Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), he begins an agricultural crescendo that spreads across the continent, a transformation of farmlands into collages of abundance. AGRA becomes his symphony of change, amplifying the melodies of smallholder farmers into a chorus of progress, where growth and food security dance in a harmonious rhythm.
Strive ascends to very high levels of technological insight. As the co-chair of the Pathways for Prosperity Commission on Technology and Inclusive Development, he unravels the secrets of the digital cosmos and unveils pathways to inclusivity and growth that light up the way for developing nations like beacons in the digital night.
As a trustee of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, He marshals resources with a generosity that eclipses the sun. He transforms resources into hope, transmuting health and education outcomes for global populations with a touch that heals like a cosmic balm.
In the galaxies of entertainment and commerce, Masiyiwa graces the board of Netflix, a streaming magnate that casts its light to the farthest reaches of over 190 countries and owes its brilliance to his guidance. Not content with a single sphere of influence, he extends his dominion to Unilever, the titanic consumer goods colossus with a sprawling kingdom of brands, a realm he now shapes with his visionary might.
Masiyiwa casts his benevolent gaze upon humanity’s plight and extends his hand to uplift the downtrodden with life’s necessities. His philanthropic acts echo across Africa and beyond, providing clean water that quenches thirsty throats, education that ignites minds, healthcare that supports bodies, and emergency relief that stands as a fortress against despair.
He founds Liquid Telecom, the titan of connectivity that spans the African continent like an intricate neural network of progress, with over 70,000 kilometers of fiber optic threads weaving together the dreams of 13 nations. Strive Masiyiwa transforms mere cables into lifelines of unity, speeds up growth, and breathes life into the very essence of modern interconnectivity.
Masiyiwa sets up a digital marvel, Cassava Technologies, a treasure trove that offers mobile money, e-commerce, health insurance salvation, educational enlightenment, and agricultural renaissance. Strive transforms smartphones into wands of empowerment, enriching the lives of millions across the vast expanse of Africa.
Masiyiwa, the compassion incarnate, takes the stage with Generation Africa – a kingdom where young agripreneurs dive headfirst into a sea of endless possibilities. His magical touch transforms barren soil into fields of dreams, where the harvest is not just crops – it’s the promise of a prosperous destiny for an entire generation.
At Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), he begins an agricultural crescendo that spreads across the continent, a transformation of farmlands into collages of abundance. AGRA becomes his symphony of change, amplifying the melodies of smallholder farmers into a chorus of progress, where growth and food security dance in a harmonious rhythm.
Strive ascends to very high levels of technological insight. As the co-chair of the Pathways for Prosperity Commission on Technology and Inclusive Development, he unravels the secrets of the digital cosmos and unveils pathways to inclusivity and growth that light up the way for developing nations like beacons in the digital night.
As a trustee of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, He marshals resources with a generosity that eclipses the sun. He transforms resources into hope, transmuting health and education outcomes for global populations with a touch that heals like a cosmic balm.
In the galaxies of entertainment and commerce, Masiyiwa graces the board of Netflix, a streaming magnate that casts its light to the farthest reaches of over 190 countries and owes its brilliance to his guidance. Not content with a single sphere of influence, he extends his dominion to Unilever, the titanic consumer goods colossus with a sprawling kingdom of brands, a realm he now shapes with his visionary might.
Masiyiwa casts his benevolent gaze upon humanity’s plight and extends his hand to uplift the downtrodden with life’s necessities. His philanthropic acts echo across Africa and beyond, providing clean water that quenches thirsty throats, education that ignites minds, healthcare that supports bodies, and emergency relief that stands as a fortress against despair.
5. What Has Strive Masiyiwa Faced as Challenges?

Strive Masiyiwa, with unyielding resilience, overcomes a lifetime of challenges that make lesser souls quiver and retreat. Born in the era of the Rhodesian Bush War, a tempest of civil strife that spans from 1964 to 1979, he braves the storm of a conflict.
At the mere tender age of seven, he embarks on a courageous journey that compels him to forsake his homeland. Masiyiwa’s spirit burns with unwavering determination.
With Zimbabwe’s dawn of independence in 1980, he marches back to his homeland, where he confronts the telecommunications monopoly, ZPTC. He dares to kindle the flames of his own engineering services enterprise, an ember that blazes into the roaring inferno of Econet Wireless Zimbabwe.
In the face of legal tumult that breaks the spirits of ordinary men, he persists and pushes back against a government opposition for five unyielding years. Against all odds, he overcomes the jaws of adversity and emerges with a license to forge a mobile network that reshapes Zimbabwe’s communication landscape.
In the heat of political turmoil, Masiyiwa embarks on a daring exodus, first to South Africa and then to London. These setbacks only serve to strengthen his determination.
He becomes a giant in Africa’s business landscape, facing down a gauntlet of obstacles that cow lesser minds. Infrastructure challenges, the web twists of regulations, the relentless jaws of competition, and the unpredictable dance of currencies – are the stones upon which he steps to ascend his throne.
Amidst the chaos of business, he remains a beacon of philanthropy and change. He stands resolute as a paragon of leadership.
At the mere tender age of seven, he embarks on a courageous journey that compels him to forsake his homeland. Masiyiwa’s spirit burns with unwavering determination.
With Zimbabwe’s dawn of independence in 1980, he marches back to his homeland, where he confronts the telecommunications monopoly, ZPTC. He dares to kindle the flames of his own engineering services enterprise, an ember that blazes into the roaring inferno of Econet Wireless Zimbabwe.
In the face of legal tumult that breaks the spirits of ordinary men, he persists and pushes back against a government opposition for five unyielding years. Against all odds, he overcomes the jaws of adversity and emerges with a license to forge a mobile network that reshapes Zimbabwe’s communication landscape.
In the heat of political turmoil, Masiyiwa embarks on a daring exodus, first to South Africa and then to London. These setbacks only serve to strengthen his determination.
He becomes a giant in Africa’s business landscape, facing down a gauntlet of obstacles that cow lesser minds. Infrastructure challenges, the web twists of regulations, the relentless jaws of competition, and the unpredictable dance of currencies – are the stones upon which he steps to ascend his throne.
Amidst the chaos of business, he remains a beacon of philanthropy and change. He stands resolute as a paragon of leadership.
6. What Keeps Strive Masiyiwa Motivated?
Strive Masiyiwa’s insatiable hunger for innovation and an unquenchable thirst for entrepreneurship propel him to the forefront of visionary leaders. With a heart ablaze with the flames of social impact, he wields technology like a mythical sword and slashes through the barriers of the world’s most severe challenges.
Masiyiwa sees youthful dynamism as the spark that lights up a cosmic explosion of change, like a supernova on a mission.
His unwavering faith becomes his trusty compass as he sails through uncharted waters.
With his family as his cosmic fuel, he reaches for galaxies beyond the stars.
And mentors? They’re his time-traveling sages, whispering success secrets into his eager ears, like ancient cosmic wisdom.
An insatiable appetite for shaping tomorrow fuels his every breath, his every heartbeat.
Masiyiwa sees youthful dynamism as the spark that lights up a cosmic explosion of change, like a supernova on a mission.
His unwavering faith becomes his trusty compass as he sails through uncharted waters.
With his family as his cosmic fuel, he reaches for galaxies beyond the stars.
And mentors? They’re his time-traveling sages, whispering success secrets into his eager ears, like ancient cosmic wisdom.
An insatiable appetite for shaping tomorrow fuels his every breath, his every heartbeat.
7. Why Is Strive Masiyiwa Such a Role Model?
Strive Masiyiwa stands as the ultimate model of excellence, a dazzling design of leadership, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy:
- The very embodiment of visionary prowess, he doesn’t merely see the future – he conjures it into being with a wave of his hand.
- Courage flows through his veins like molten steel, ignites a relentless determination that turns mountains into mere stepping stones and scoffs at the mere concept of opposition.
- Resilience courses through him like an unyielding current, transforming setbacks into launching pads for the most triumphant comebacks.
- Innovation dances at his fingertips, a harmony of creation that turns the mundane into marvels with technology as his spellbook.
- Generosity flows through him like a bottomless river of benevolence, enriching the dry landscapes of the less fortunate with the life-giving waters of his wealth, wisdom, and warmth.
- Humility adorns him like a crown, a constant reminder of his humanity, as he seeks the wisdom of others and weaves their brilliance into achievements.
8. What Is Strive Masiyiwa Currently Working On?

Amidst his conquests of industry, Masiyiwa’s heart swells with an unquenchable ardor for humanitarian causes. His benevolent reach stretches across Africa and beyond, delivering clean water, life-saving healthcare, education, and urgent relief to millions.
Ever the superhero, he’s not just the African Union’s special envoy on COVID-19; he’s the cape-wearing champion that leads the charge to secure vaccines and medical supplies for the entire continent. With his Africa Vaccine Acquisition Task Team, he secures a staggering 400 million Johnson & Johnson vaccine doses for African countries. Talk about a vaccine cosmic victory!
But wait, there’s more! He’s not just an entrepreneur; he’s a digital visionary that partners up with C5 Capital, a venture capital firm diving deep into cybersecurity and cloud computing. And what’s he doing with the $500 million he’s raising? Oh, just to casually expand his digital empire and services across Africa.
With Cassava Technologies at the helm, which provides fiber-optic networks, data centers, fintech marvels, and even renewable energy solutions, he’s transforming the digital landscape like a modern-day cosmic creator.
And that’s not all! Education and entrepreneurship aren’t just buzzwords for him; they’re the building blocks of his cosmic legacy. He does not just support initiatives, he’s a cosmic force that moves them to greatness.
Higherlife Foundation’s scholarships and mentorship launches young African minds into orbit; Muzinda Hub nurtures software developers and digital pioneers like cosmic seeds; and Kwese TV? It’s not just TV; it’s a universe of affordable and diverse content that rains down on African viewers like meteor showers of knowledge and entertainment.
Ever the superhero, he’s not just the African Union’s special envoy on COVID-19; he’s the cape-wearing champion that leads the charge to secure vaccines and medical supplies for the entire continent. With his Africa Vaccine Acquisition Task Team, he secures a staggering 400 million Johnson & Johnson vaccine doses for African countries. Talk about a vaccine cosmic victory!
But wait, there’s more! He’s not just an entrepreneur; he’s a digital visionary that partners up with C5 Capital, a venture capital firm diving deep into cybersecurity and cloud computing. And what’s he doing with the $500 million he’s raising? Oh, just to casually expand his digital empire and services across Africa.
With Cassava Technologies at the helm, which provides fiber-optic networks, data centers, fintech marvels, and even renewable energy solutions, he’s transforming the digital landscape like a modern-day cosmic creator.
And that’s not all! Education and entrepreneurship aren’t just buzzwords for him; they’re the building blocks of his cosmic legacy. He does not just support initiatives, he’s a cosmic force that moves them to greatness.
Higherlife Foundation’s scholarships and mentorship launches young African minds into orbit; Muzinda Hub nurtures software developers and digital pioneers like cosmic seeds; and Kwese TV? It’s not just TV; it’s a universe of affordable and diverse content that rains down on African viewers like meteor showers of knowledge and entertainment.
9. What Could Slow Strive Masiyiwa Down?
Strive Masiyiwa, an unstoppable force of entrepreneurial brilliance, finds himself with a myriad of challenges in his way that slow down his meteoric rise to global dominance. The ferocious COVID-19 pandemic, a relentless global disruptor, hurls unprecedented obstacles in his path and sends shockwaves through the very foundations of the global economy. Standing steadfast, Masiyiwa determines to conquer even the fiercest tempests.
But wait, there’s more – political turmoil, violence, and human rights violations cast dark shadows over the lands where Masiyiwa’s ambitions know no bounds. Despite the chaotic landscapes, he forges ahead, a beacon of unwavering leadership amidst the darkness.
Regulatory uncertainty cuts through markets where Masiyiwa’s genius takes root. Corruption and bureaucracy rear ugly heads, attempting to ensnare progress in a suffocating grasp. Yet, Masiyiwa, a veritable mammoth of business acumen, blazes trails with a fervor that beats obstacles.
Natural disasters unleash fury upon the delicate fabric of his operations and noble social endeavors. However, Masiyiwa, a modern-day Noah, constructs his own arks of innovation to weather the storms and emerge even stronger.
Even as the weight of the world bears down on his shoulders, Masiyiwa’s unbeatable spirit refuses to bow to the pressure. Personal risks, stress, and fatigue – mere trifles for a giant who effortlessly juggles countless roles, spearheads diverse organizations, and moves across the globe as though it is a mere stepping stone.
But wait, there’s more – political turmoil, violence, and human rights violations cast dark shadows over the lands where Masiyiwa’s ambitions know no bounds. Despite the chaotic landscapes, he forges ahead, a beacon of unwavering leadership amidst the darkness.
Regulatory uncertainty cuts through markets where Masiyiwa’s genius takes root. Corruption and bureaucracy rear ugly heads, attempting to ensnare progress in a suffocating grasp. Yet, Masiyiwa, a veritable mammoth of business acumen, blazes trails with a fervor that beats obstacles.
Natural disasters unleash fury upon the delicate fabric of his operations and noble social endeavors. However, Masiyiwa, a modern-day Noah, constructs his own arks of innovation to weather the storms and emerge even stronger.
Even as the weight of the world bears down on his shoulders, Masiyiwa’s unbeatable spirit refuses to bow to the pressure. Personal risks, stress, and fatigue – mere trifles for a giant who effortlessly juggles countless roles, spearheads diverse organizations, and moves across the globe as though it is a mere stepping stone.
10. What Can You Learn From Strive Masiyiwa?

- Unleash the Blazing Inferno of Your Passion: Discover that one electrifying passion that sets your soul on fire, and charges into its embrace with a fervor that moves mountains.
- Forge an Unbreakable Fortress of Persistence: Refuse to bow before the stormy tempests that dare to challenge your aspirations, summon a relentless determination that rivals the very tides.
- Become an Unstoppable Chameleon of Adaptability: Embrace change like a long-lost friend, grab hold of fresh opportunities, and weave them into your arsenal of skills and wisdom with an insatiable hunger.
- Paint the Canvas of Your Journey with Vibrant Strokes of Creativity: Break free from the chains of convention and tradition. Plunge into the uncharted realms of your imagination, where your thoughts dance like stars in the night sky.
Pro Tips
- Know Your Numbers: As an entrepreneur, you need to have a basic understanding of the key financial metrics of your business, such as revenue, profit, cash flow, and growth rate. You also need to be able to track and measure your performance and progress. This helps you make wise decisions and plan ahead.
- Become a Master of Process: To grow your business, you need to build the necessary structures and systems that enable you to deliver your products and services efficiently and effectively. You need to have clear and consistent processes for every aspect of your business, such as product development, marketing, sales, customer service, and operations.
- Find a Great Co-founder: Have a partner who complements your skills and strengths to make your business successful. You need someone who shares your vision, passion, and values, and who also challenges you and supports you. A great co-founder helps you overcome obstacles, access resources, and expand your network.
- Be Great at Pitching: To raise funds, attract customers, or win contracts, you need to be able to communicate your value proposition effectively and persuasively. You need to be able to capture the attention and interest of your audience, whether it is an investor, a client, or a partner. You need to be able to tell a compelling story that showcases your problem, solution, market opportunity, competitive advantage, and traction.
- Be Patient and Relentless (never give up): Entrepreneurship is not easy. You face many challenges, difficulties, and failures along the way. You need to have the patience to persevere through the hard times and the resilience to bounce back from the setbacks. You also need to have the determination to pursue your goals and dreams, even when you face opposition and adversity.
Summary
Strive Masiyiwa is a Zimbabwean entrepreneur and philanthropist who founds Econet Global and Cassava Technologies. He is one of the richest and most influential people in Africa, with a net worth of $1.8 billion as of 2023. He boasts of his top 10 rules for success in business and life which he shares on various platforms. One major belief that Strive Masiyiwa has is that it is possible to be successful in business in Africa with zero tolerance for corruption.