Engineering Excellence: Zimbabwe Billionaire Strive Masiyiwa Honoured with Stellenbosch University Doctorate

Stellenbosch University Honours Strive Masiyiwa with Doctorate in Engineering

Stellenbosch University has conferred an honorary doctorate in Engineering on Zimbabwe-born telecoms tycoon Strive Masiyiwa. The university recognised the billionaire’s significant contributions to Africa’s telecommunications sector and his philanthropic work.

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Visionary Leadership Recognised

The ceremony took place on 10 December 2024, with the university highlighting Masiyiwa’s transformative impact.

“He is an exemplary example of an African who did well and is now doing good by improving the lives of many Africans,” said Professor Wikus van Niekerk, Dean of the SU Faculty of Engineering.

Masiyiwa, the founder of Econet Wireless and Executive Chair of Cassava Technologies, has been a trailblazer in Africa’s telecoms landscape. Over the last 40 years, he has revolutionised the industry while advancing socioeconomic development across the continent.

A Life Rooted in Engineering

Born in Zimbabwe in 1961, Masiyiwa earned a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Cardiff in 1983. After a stint as a telecoms engineer in Zimbabwe, he ventured into entrepreneurship.

Masiyiwa’s companies have built over 110,000 kilometres of fibre infrastructure, connecting Africa from Cape Town to Cairo. His ventures include Liquid Intelligent Technologies, African Data Centres, and the newly launched Cassava AI.

His businesses aim to ensure that “no African is left behind in the digital technology revolution.”

Philanthropic Impact

Masiyiwa’s philanthropic efforts have touched millions. Through the Higherlife Foundation and Delta Philanthropies, his family has funded over 300,000 scholarships. These initiatives target education, healthcare, disaster relief, and youth mentorship.

“He is a remarkable leader who continues to inspire change,” Stellenbosch University stated.

Masiyiwa has also served as an envoy for the African Union and worked on global health initiatives tackling COVID-19, AIDS, and Ebola.

Global Recognition

Over the years, Masiyiwa has earned numerous accolades, including:

• Bloomberg’s 50 Most Influential People in 2020
• Forbes’ Ten Most Powerful Men in Africa in 2015
• Fortune’s World’s 50 Greatest Leaders in 2014, 2017, and 2021

He also holds honorary doctorates from Yale University, Nelson Mandela University, and Cardiff University. In 2023, he became an honorary member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Masiyiwa remains a key figure on global advisory boards, including Netflix, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Stanford University.

A Legacy of Excellence

Professor Van Niekerk concluded, “The Faculty looks forward to partnering with him in our endeavour to improve the quality of life for people in Africa.”

Strive Masiyiwa’s journey exemplifies the power of innovation and philanthropy in transforming lives.