Africa Hall of Fame: Power 100

Strive Masiyiwa: The Architect of Africa’s Digital Backbone

A Different Kind of Power

Strive Masiyiwa represents a form of power that is both foundational and far-reaching—built not on extraction or luxury, but on connectivity. His influence lies in the invisible infrastructure that powers modern economies: networks, data, and communication.

In a world increasingly defined by information flow, Masiyiwa’s strength is rooted in enabling connection at scale. His impact is not always seen, but it is constantly felt—across cities, borders, and entire regions. Where others build industries, Masiyiwa has helped build the systems that allow those industries to function.

Building Africa’s Telecom Revolution

At the centre of Masiyiwa’s influence is Econet Wireless, the telecommunications group he founded and grew into one of Africa’s most significant mobile and digital infrastructure companies.

Econet operates across multiple African markets and beyond, delivering mobile connectivity, broadband services, and digital platforms to millions. At a time when access to communication was limited and tightly controlled, Masiyiwa challenged monopolies and redefined what was possible in African telecoms.

His journey into the sector was not straightforward. It was shaped by legal battles, regulatory resistance, and sustained persistence. In overcoming these barriers, Masiyiwa did more than build a company—he helped open Africa’s telecom industry to competition, innovation, and private investment.

Today, mobile connectivity is central to economic participation. From mobile banking to digital commerce, entire ecosystems rely on the networks Masiyiwa helped pioneer. His influence is embedded in the daily lives of millions.

The Power of Infrastructure and Access

What distinguishes Masiyiwa is his focus on access. Rather than building exclusivity, he has built inclusion—expanding connectivity to underserved and emerging markets.

Telecommunications is one of the most powerful sectors in the modern world, sitting at the intersection of technology, finance, and social development. By controlling networks and digital platforms, Masiyiwa operates at a level where infrastructure translates directly into influence.

His companies have enabled services that go far beyond voice calls—mobile money, data services, and digital ecosystems that support entrepreneurs, governments, and consumers. In many African economies, telecom networks are as critical as roads or electricity.

This positions Masiyiwa not just as a business leader, but as an architect of economic participation. His power lies in enabling others to connect, transact, and grow.

Global Reach, African Foundation

Masiyiwa’s success is deeply rooted in Africa, yet globally connected. While his operations span multiple continents, his identity and impact remain closely tied to Zimbabwe and the broader African continent.

He represents a model of African entrepreneurship that is both locally grounded and internationally relevant. By building scalable infrastructure businesses, he has demonstrated that African companies can compete, expand, and lead in global markets.

Unlike resource-driven fortunes, Masiyiwa’s wealth is built on recurring services—connectivity, data, and digital access. This creates resilience and long-term relevance in an increasingly digital world.

His influence also extends into global forums, where he engages with policymakers, investors, and institutions shaping the future of technology and development.

Influence Beyond Business

Masiyiwa’s power extends well beyond telecoms. He is a prominent philanthropist and advocate for education, youth empowerment, and leadership development across Africa.

Through initiatives such as the Higherlife Foundation, he has supported the education of thousands of young Africans, investing in human capital at scale. His work reflects a belief that connectivity must be matched by opportunity.

He has also played advisory roles in global institutions, including African Union initiatives and international health and development efforts. His voice carries weight in discussions around digital inclusion, economic growth, and Africa’s place in the global economy.

Unlike many business leaders, Masiyiwa is highly visible in public discourse—using his platform to mentor, educate, and inspire the next generation of African entrepreneurs.

A Model of Transformational Wealth

Masiyiwa represents a model of wealth that is not only created, but multiplied through impact. His businesses generate economic value, but they also enable broader systems—finance, education, healthcare—to function more effectively.

In a rapidly digitising world, infrastructure is power. By investing in connectivity, Masiyiwa has positioned himself at the centre of one of the most important transformations of the modern era.

His approach is long-term and structural. Rather than chasing short-term gains, he has built platforms designed to scale with technological change—ensuring relevance across decades.

Defining Power Through Connectivity

The Africa Hall of Fame: Power 100 recognises individuals whose influence shapes industries and societies. Masiyiwa embodies this principle.

His reach is continental. His infrastructure is essential. His impact is systemic.

He represents a form of power that underpins economies—connecting people, enabling markets, and shaping the digital future of Africa.

For this reason, his place in the Africa Hall of Fame: Power 100 is not only deserved, it is inevitable.

He is not just one of Africa’s most successful entrepreneurs.

He is one of the architects of its digital age.