Black Billionaires: From Telecom Tycoon to Global Philanthropist—The Rise of Strive Masiyiwa

Zimbabwe’s Quiet Giant: Building Africa’s Telecom Future

In a global business world dominated by Western names, Strive Masiyiwa has quietly become one of the most influential Black billionaires of our time. Born in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and now based in the UK, Masiyiwa is the founder of Econet Wireless, a company that helped spark a digital revolution across Africa by making mobile connectivity accessible, even in the most remote corners of the continent.

His current estimated net worth, according to Bloomberg and Forbes, exceeds $1.9 billion USD, but his influence goes far beyond money.

Masiyiwa’s journey began in the 1990s when he took on Zimbabwe’s government to win the right to launch a private telecom company. That bold move opened the door for Econet Wireless, now operating in over 20 African countries and parts of Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

From Business to Impact: A Vision Beyond Profit

What sets Masiyiwa apart is his deep commitment to philanthropy and pan-African development.

He has pledged more than $100 million to support African education, healthcare, and digital entrepreneurship. He was one of the key figures behind the African Union’s COVID-19 vaccine acquisition strategy, helping broker deals to supply vaccines to the continent during a global supply crunch.

His foundation, the Higherlife Foundation, co-run with his wife Tsitsi, has funded over 250,000 scholarships across Africa, with a particular focus on orphans and vulnerable children.

“We don’t just need billionaires—we need builders,” Masiyiwa once told the African Leadership Network. “Africa’s story will change when those who succeed invest not just in profit, but in people.”

Diaspora Inspiration: What Strive Masiyiwa Teaches Us

Masiyiwa’s story speaks directly to the global Black diaspora in search of ethical models for wealth building:

• He shows that wealth and purpose can coexist.

• He proves that billion-dollar success can be built from African soil.

• And he reminds us that infrastructure, connectivity, and education are pillars of true economic independence.

In a time when digital access is power, Masiyiwa’s investment in telecommunications and tech infrastructure is one of the boldest long-term contributions to Africa’s economic future.

The Diaspora Ledger is Vision Newspaper’s weekly look at Black financial power across the globe—tracking wealth, investment, and the economic future of our people from the Caribbean to the Continent and beyond.

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