Zimbabwe’s most affluent figure, Strive Masiyiwa, the visionary behind Econet Global, is making noteworthy strides in advancing education for vulnerable children in the nation.
Masiyiwa, through his philanthropic arm, Higherlife Foundation, has granted a remarkable 11,100 scholarships, distributing 5,300 in the first half of this year alone. Established in 1996 by Masiyiwa and his wife Tsitsi Masiyiwa, Higherlife Foundation remains steadfast in investing in Africa’s human capital.
Empowering Through “Akello” Platform
The Econet board chairman, James Myers, emphasizes the core role of education in fostering positive change within communities. During the latest review period, a recruitment initiative awarded more than 5,300 scholarships to orphaned and vulnerable children.
Myers underscores the fundamental nature of education as a human right, expressing, “By facilitating broader access to education, Higherlife Foundation aims to create a ripple effect of empowerment, individual freedom, and ultimately poverty eradication.”
The foundation’s commitment to social impact extends to “Akello” — an innovative digital platform providing quality education to children in vulnerable communities. Myers highlights the success, noting, “To date, over 34,600 students have accessed the platform through Akello tech scholarships, embracing unique and interactive digital learning experiences.”
Philanthropic Triumphs Beyond Business
Masiyiwa, a London-based Zimbabwean billionaire, stands out as a trailblazer in Africa’s mobile telecom industry, leading Econet Global, a Sub-Saharan African digital services provider. With a fortune of $1.8 billion, Masiyiwa’s legacy spans two decades, redefining telecommunications and making significant strides across diverse African sectors.
His journey is marked by innovation and collaboration, yielding notable impacts in education, healthcare, and disaster relief. Beyond commerce, his philanthropic fervor shines through Higherlife Foundation and Delta Philanthropies.
Masiyiwa and his wife Tsitsi have bestowed scholarships upon over 250,000 African youth, facilitating quality education and global contributions. His philanthropic organizations — Higherlife Foundation and Delta Philanthropies — continue to lead the charge in educational empowerment, profoundly impacting the lives of thousands of vulnerable children across Zimbabwe.
