Strive T. Masiyiwa joined The Rockefeller Foundation board of trustees in 2003.
Mr. Masiyiwa is founder and Executive Chairman of South African-based, diversified international telecommunications group Econet Wireless. Under his leadership and guidance, Econet Wireless has developed, since its formation in 1993, into a global telecommunications enterprise with a presence in more than 15 countries in Africa, Europe and the East Asia-Pacific region. The company operates in the core areas of mobile cellular telephony, fixed public networks, and internet and satellite services. A recognised entrepreneur, Mr. Masiyiwa has also been involved in the development of Africa’s independent media.
He is a well-known international business leader who has won international recognition and numerous awards for business excellence. In 1999 he was named by the Junior Chamber International (Jaycees) as one of the “Ten Most Outstanding Young Persons of the World.” In 2003 he was chosen as one of the “15 Global Influentials of the year” in a CNN/Time magazine poll.
Over the years Mr. Masiyiwa has served on many international boards, and has also been involved in numerous initiatives to promote entrepreneurship and social development in Africa. He is currently on the boards of the Nelson Mandela Advisory Committee and Endeavor SA.
Outside his business interests, Mr. Masiyiwa is also active in promoting awareness of the impact of AIDS in Africa. A foundation he and his wife founded and fund currently provides scholarships to more than 25,000 orphans.
As one of the most respected African business leaders today, Mr. Masiyiwa speaks regularly on African business at major international business gatherings and has been regularly featured in leading international publications and television programs, among them the Economist, Newsweek, Barron’s of New York, Financial Times and CNN