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Strive Masiyiwa is a name synonymous with success, innovation and philanthropy. Born in Zimbabwe, he has made a name for himself in the business world as the founder of the pan-African telecoms company, Econet Wireless Group. He is a man who has overcome numerous obstacles and defied the odds to create a successful empire that spans several countries across Africa.
Join us as we discover the story of Strive Masiyiwa, a true African hero.
Masiyiwa Has A Net Worth of $3Billion
Strive Masiyiwa is a billionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist with an estimated net worth of $3 billion. He is considered one of Africa's most successful business leaders. He is also known for his philanthropic work, which includes supporting education, health, and environmental initiatives in Africa.
The Early Life And Education of Strive Masiyiwa
Masiyiwa, born on January 29th, 1961, in Zimbabwe. At just seven years old, his family moved to Kitwe, Zambia, after the government declared independence from the UK. He completed his primary education in Zambia and later moved to Scotland to attend private school and then to the University of Wales, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering.
After working briefly in the computer industry in Cambridge, England, he returned to Zimbabwe in 1984 after a 17-year absence and built an electrical engineering business, his aim was to aid the country's recovery after the end of the Rhodesian Bush War. The emergence of mobile cellular telephony led him to diversify into telecoms, but he faced challenges when the Zimbabwean government of Robert Mugabe refused to give him a license to operate his business. Despite this setback, Masiyiwa persevered and built one of the largest mobile telecommunications companies in Africa.
The Innovative Telecommunications Giant Changing The Game
Econet, founded by Strive Masiyiwa in Zimbabwe in 1993, has made a big impact on the telecommunications industry. Econet changed the game in 1998 when it was granted a telephony license and brought modern communication to a country where 70% of the population had never heard a ringtone.
In 2005, EcoCash was launched and quickly became a household name in Zimbabwe, with over 6.7 million registered users. Econet also made headlines by acquiring Steward Bank and expanding to Burundi and the Central African Republic. Despite a drop in profits, Econet has remained resilient and continues to thrive, significantly impacting the lives of millions in Zimbabwe, easing communication, and providing jobs.
Accolades And Recognitions Of Masiyiwa
In recognition of his contributions to society, Masiyiwa has received many accolades and awards over the years. In 2011, The Times of London named him one of the 25 Leaders of Africa's Renaissance Award. In 2014, Fortune Magazine named him one of the 50 most influential business leaders in the world, and he was cited as one of the Top 100 most influential Africans by New African magazine. In 2015, Forbes Magazine named him in the 10 Most Powerful Men in Africa list for 2015, and in 2019, he was awarded the Norman E. Borlaug World Food Prize Medallion.
Masiyiwa's contributions to society have earned him widespread recognition and awards. He was named one of the 25 Leaders of Africa's Renaissance by The Times of London, one of the 50 most influential business leaders by Fortune Magazine, one of the Top 100 most influential Africans by New African magazine, and made the Forbes Magazine's 10 Most Powerful Men in Africa list.
And the accolades don't stop there! In 2019, he was awarded the prestigious Norman E. Borlaug World Food Prize Medallion. Masiyiwa's influence knows no bounds and his impact on the world is undeniable.
Striving for Educational Excellence: The Philanthropic Efforts Of Masiyiwa
Masiyiwa has been a great supporter of education and has provided scholarships to over 250,000 young Africans in the past 20 years through his family foundation "Higher Life Foundation”.The non-profit organization provides education and opportunities for disadvantaged children in Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Burundi. The foundation offers one of the largest scholarship programs in Africa, paying school fees for children they call their "history makers”. He has also supported more than 40,000 orphans with educational initiatives and sponsored students at universities in America, the United Kingdom, and China.
He has supported campaigns against diseases like HIV/AIDS, Cervical Cancer, and Ebola. He also played a crucial role in the fight against COVID-19. He co-founded the environmental group "Carbon War Room" with Sir Richard Branson and others.
During a cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe in 2019, Strive and his wife donated $10 million to fight the disease and pledged $60 million to build resilience against it. In 2020, he was appointed as a Special Envoy to the African Union for COVID response.
Strive Masiyiwa: An Inspiration For All
Strive Masiyiwa is a visionary leader who has made a lasting impact on the business and philanthropic world. He continues to inspire and influence many through his contributions to education and support of those in need. Long after he is gone, his legacy will inspire generations to come.
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