Bring Strive Masiyiwa into Zimbabwe’s National decision-making structures

Strive Masiyiwa’s journey to establishing a successful mobile network in Zimbabwe is a testament to resilience and vision. His battle for a mobile operating license in the late 1990s is a story of determination against adversity. After applying for a licence in 1997, Masiyiwa faced years of bureaucratic hurdles, political resistance and attempts to undermine his efforts. Despite these challenges, he persevered and in 1998, his company, Econet Wireless, launched Zimbabwe’s first private mobile network. This achievement not only transformed telecommunications in Zimbabwe but also marked the emergence of a new era of entrepreneurship.

However, as Masiyiwa’s success grew, so did the glaring absence of acknowledgment from his own government. The irony is striking, Zimbabwe has welcomed foreign investments, particularly from nations like China, UAE, Belarus and Russia with open arms. Yet, homegrown talent like Masiyiwa has remained largely unrecognised by the Zimbabwean government. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has never publicly mentioned Masiyiwa when discussing investment opportunities, nor has he offered him any ministerial role or board position in state-owned enterprises. This lack of recognition raises critical questions about the government’s priorities in fostering local entrepreneurship.

The message being sent is troubling. It appears that Zimbabwean leaders are more inclined to embrace foreign investors while neglecting their own citizens. This dynamic creates a sense of disillusionment among local entrepreneurs who see their efforts overlooked in favour of foreign nationals. By favouring foreign investments, Zimbabwe risks becoming its own colonizer, sidelining the very individuals who could lead the country’s economic turnaround.

Strive Masiyiwa is not just a successful businessman, he embodies the potential of Zimbabwean entrepreneurship. His contributions extend beyond the telecommunications sector. He is involved in various philanthropic endeavours, focusing on education, healthcare and economic empowerment. His influence reaches international borders, as evidenced by his appointments to prestigious global boards, including the African Union and the World Economic Forum. These recognitions highlight the potential that international leaders see in his potential that, unfortunately, seems to be lost on Zimbabwean authorities.

The question arises, “when will Zimbabwe celebrate its first homegrown billionaire?” The country has the talent and resources to produce many more successful entrepreneurs like Masiyiwa. However, this potential can only be realised if the government actively supports local businesses and recognises their contributions to the economy.

It is time for President Mnangagwa and his administration to reassess their approach to local entrepreneurship. Bringing Strive Masiyiwa into discussions about economic policy and economic development could provide invaluable insights to rejuvenate Zimbabwe’s struggling economy. By embracing local talent, the government would send a powerful message to the world, that Zimbabwe values its own resources and is committed to fostering a conducive environment for its entrepreneurs.

The path forward for Zimbabwe lies in recognising and supporting its own billionaires like Strive Masiyiwa. The nation has the potential to thrive economically if it can shift its focus from foreign reliance to local empowerment. Addressing this imbalance is not just a matter of national pride, it is essential for the sustainable development of Zimbabwe’s economy.

We need a change of attitude towards our own, Now, izvozvi, Kathesi