Zimbabwean billionaire and Econet Wireless founder Strive Masiyiwa — widely regarded as one of Africa’s most influential entrepreneurs — has further cemented his family’s role in the telecommunications giant’s leadership by appointing his daughter, Sarah Masiyiwa, as an Alternate Director on the Econet Wireless Zimbabwe board. The move strengthens the Masiyiwa family’s influence in one of Africa’s most successful technology groups while signalling a deliberate generational shift in leadership.
The appointment, which took effect on October 1, 2025, was first reported by Billionaires.Africa. Sarah joins her elder sister, Elizabeth Tanya Masiyiwa, who has served as a full director since 2022, following Strive Masiyiwa’s decision to step down from the board to focus on his expanding ventures across the continent.
Econet Wireless said Sarah’s inclusion will enhance the company’s “investment strategy and business development capacity,” reflecting her extensive experience in economics, media, and global investment oversight. Her addition is expected to bring fresh perspectives, particularly in innovation, digital transformation, and strategic growth.
Sarah Masiyiwa holds degrees in economics and journalism and has held advisory roles in several philanthropic and development organisations. Her professional background and academic training are seen as valuable assets that will help Econet adapt to the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Her sister Elizabeth has earned recognition for her work in social entrepreneurship, education, and technology. She has spearheaded initiatives under Delta Philanthropies and Simba Education, aligning closely with Econet’s vision of integrating commercial success with impactful social change across Africa.
Together, the appointments of Sarah and Elizabeth mark a significant milestone in the Masiyiwa family’s continuing legacy at Econet, one of the continent’s most influential technology and telecommunications conglomerates.
Strive Masiyiwa Appoints Daughter Sarah Masiyiwa as Alternate Director at Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, Cementing Family Legacy
Strive Masiyiwa founded Econet Wireless Zimbabwe in 1993, and his journey has since become a defining chapter in African business history. Celebrated as a pioneer of telecommunications in Africa, Masiyiwa’s struggle to obtain a mobile operating licence in Zimbabwe during the 1990s became a landmark legal battle for economic freedom in post-colonial Africa.
After winning the court case against the Zimbabwean government in 1998, Masiyiwa launched Econet Wireless. From humble beginnings, the company grew into a multinational powerhouse operating in over 20 countries across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Today, Econet is not just a telecoms operator but a major player in innovation, fintech, cloud computing, renewable energy, and beyond.
Masiyiwa expanded his business interests under Cassava Technologies, a pan-African tech group that now includes leading brands such as Liquid Intelligent Technologies, EcoCash, Vaya Africa, Sasai Fintech, and Distributed Power Africa. These subsidiaries position Cassava as a diversified force shaping Africa’s digital economy.
In recent years, Masiyiwa has turned his focus to artificial intelligence (AI), announcing a $720 million investment through Cassava Technologies to build five AI factories across Africa — in Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa — under his “Sovereign AI Cloud” initiative.
The project aims to give African nations control over their own AI infrastructure, reducing dependence on Western cloud providers. The first facility, currently under construction in South Africa, will house about 3,000 Nvidia graphics processors — the same chips powering advanced AI systems like ChatGPT.
Masiyiwa envisions the initiative as a catalyst for innovation, providing African researchers, universities, and startups with affordable access to world-class computing power. “This is about empowering Africa to be part of the AI revolution on its own terms,” he has said.
Masiyiwa’s influence extends beyond business. Together with his wife, Tsitsi Masiyiwa, he has founded the Higherlife Foundation, which has sponsored the education of more than 250,000 underprivileged students across Zimbabwe and Africa.
He sits on several global boards, including Netflix, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the United Nations’ Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development. His contributions to business and society have earned him accolades from Forbes, Time, and Fortune, placing him among the world’s most influential leaders.
The appointments of Sarah and Elizabeth Masiyiwa represent more than family succession — they reflect a strategic move to prepare Econet Wireless and Cassava Technologies for the future of Africa’s digital economy. By bringing in the next generation of leaders with fresh perspectives and global experience, the Masiyiwa family is positioning their empire at the cutting edge of innovation and growth.
For Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, Sarah’s appointment signals a new chapter — one that blends the pioneering vision of Strive Masiyiwa with the innovative ideas and energy of a new generation. As the company continues to expand and adapt to technological shifts, the Masiyiwa family’s leadership promises to keep Econet at the forefront of Africa’s digital transformation.
Source- ZimEye
