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Key Points
- Strive Masiyiwa’s Higherlife Foundation has provided over 250,000 scholarships to African youth.
- He donated $10M to combat Zimbabwe's cholera outbreak and pledged $60M for clean water projects.
- Masiyiwa is transforming rural Africa with a $100M investment fund to boost local economies.
Strive Masiyiwa, the Zimbabwean-born billionaire and founder of Econet Global, is widely recognized for his business achievements and transformative philanthropy across Africa.
Masiyiwa’s philanthropy focuses on education, healthcare, and economic development, impacting millions across the continent.
Through initiatives such as the Higherlife Foundation and large-scale funding projects, Masiyiwa has helped vulnerable communities access education, clean water, and digital infrastructure. Below are his seven most significant contributions.
Higherlife Foundation: over 250,000 scholarships for vulnerable youth
Founded in 1996 with his wife, Tsitsi, the Higherlife Foundation supports orphaned and vulnerable children across Zimbabwe, South Africa, Lesotho, and Burundi. The foundation provides scholarships, educational materials, and mentorship.
In 2023, the foundation awarded 11,100 scholarships, giving young Africans opportunities to thrive in education and leadership.
$10 million emergency response for Zimbabwe’s cholera outbreak
During Zimbabwe’s 2018 cholera crisis, Masiyiwa pledged $10 million for emergency relief through Econet Wireless Zimbabwe. Funds were used for clean water supplies, medical aid, and sanitation.
A $60 million follow-up pledge focused on long-term clean water and sanitation projects to prevent future outbreaks.
$100 million rural challenge fund for African economies
Masiyiwa established the Masiyiwa Rural Challenge Fund, committing $100 million over five years to support businesses and social enterprises in Africa’s rural areas.
The fund provides low-interest loans of up to $10,000, enabling rural entrepreneurs to create jobs in farming, agribusiness, and local industries, reducing poverty and fostering economic independence.
$240,000 in maternal and neonatal healthcare equipment for Zimbabwe hospitals
In 2024, Masiyiwa’s Higherlife Foundation donated $240,000 worth of medical equipment to hospitals across Zimbabwe, including Sally Mugabe Hospital and Mpilo Central Hospital. The contribution enhanced maternal and neonatal care in underserved regions.
$110 million investment in digital infrastructure for Africa Data Centers
Masiyiwa spearheaded the expansion of Africa Data Centers, a subsidiary of Cassava Technologies, with a $110 million investment secured from Rand Merchant Bank.
This effort addresses Africa’s digital divide, boosting connectivity and cloud infrastructure while fostering economic growth in South Africa and beyond.
Co-founding the Akello digital learning platform
Masiyiwa co-founded Akello, a digital education platform under the Higherlife Foundation, to bridge the learning gap for African students. The platform has benefited over 34,600 learners through scholarships, offering accessible and interactive online education.
Leading Africa’s COVID-19 response as AU Special Envoy
As the African Union’s Special Envoy for COVID-19, Masiyiwa played a pivotal role in ensuring vaccine access for African nations. His leadership in negotiating vaccine procurement secured life-saving supplies during the pandemic.
Legacy of impact
From addressing health crises to building digital infrastructure, Masiyiwa’s contributions go beyond philanthropy, setting a benchmark for sustainable development and innovation across Africa.
