Strive Masiyiwa

MR STRIVE MASIYIWA (b 1961) has been in business since 1986.  He first came to international prominence when he fought a landmark constitutional legal battle for 5 years in the African country of Zimbabwe.  The ruling which led to the removal of the monopoly of the state in telecommunications is generally regarded as one of the key milestones, in opening the African telecommunications sector to private capital.

His flagship business, South African based Econet Wireless (http://www.econetwireless.com) is now a global telecommunications group with operations, investments and offices in more than 18 countries (in Africa, Europe, USA, Latin America and Asia-Pacific).

The company’s activities include mobile cellular telephony, fixed networks, enterprise networks, fibre optic cables, and satellite services.  They also provide payment solutions to banks across Africa.

Other business activities include operations and investments in some of Africa’s leading businesses in areas such as financial services, insurance, renewable energy, bottling for Coca-Cola, hotel and safari lodges.

Strive Masiyiwa is a well-known international business leader who has won numerous international recognition and awards.  Some of his awards include the following:

• “10 Most Outstanding Young Persons of the World” (Jaycees 1999- Business Category)
• “15 Global Influentials of the Year” (CNN/Time Magazine Poll -2003)
• Builders of Modern Africa (2010 - Winner)
• “25 Leaders of Africa’s Renaissance” (Times of London - 2011)
• “20 Most Powerful Business People in African Business” (Forbes Magazine - 2011)

As a respected business leader today, Strive Masiyiwa speaks regularly on business and economic issues at major international gatherings, and has been regularly featured in leading international publications and television programmes, among them the Economist, Newsweek, CNN, Barron’s of New York and the Financial Times and The World Economic Forum.

Strive Masiyiwa is internationally recognized for his leadership contributions in a number of areas outside of business including his crusading campaigns to stamp out corruption in Africa. He is a leading business voice, championing the establishment and promotion of the rule of law.

Over the years Strive Masiyiwa has served on many international boards and foundations. 

He is currently involved in the following not-for-profit organisations:

• Econet Wireless Development Foundation (Founder)
• Rockefeller Foundation (New York Trustee)  - http://www.rockfound.org
• Alliance for Agriculture in Africa (AGRA) (Board Member/Vice Chairman) - http://www.agra-alliance.org
• Carbon War Room (Founders Council) - http://www.carbonwarroom.com
• Capernaum Trust (Founder) - http://www.capernaumtrust.com
• Yookos Trust (Trustee) - http://www.yookos.com
• Joshua Nkomo Schlorship Trust (Founder) - http://www.joshuankomoscholarship.org.zw
• Holocaust Museum (USA - Member of the Committee on Conscience) - http://www.ushmm.org
• Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s e-Health Ambassadors Programme - http://www.ehealth-connection.org
• Hilton Humanitarian Prize ( USA-  Member of the International Jury) - http://www.hiltonfoundation.org

Strive Masiyiwa and his family live in Johannesburg, South Africa.