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Strive Masiyiwa

Cofounder & Chairman, Econet Wireless

Search every verified Strive Masiyiwa interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. Strive Masiyiwa, founder and executive chairman of Econet Group, appeared on the *Money and Wealth* podcast hosted by John Hope Bryant, where he discussed his entrepreneurial journey and current business ventures. During the conversation, Masiyiwa recounted the founding of Econet, including his efforts to overcome a state monopoly in Zimbabwe's telecommunications sector. He also highlighted recent developments, stating that Econet had built "Africa's first AI factory" in Cape Town, South Africa, which he said was already at full capacity shortly after completion. Masiyiwa indicated plans to invest an additional three to four billion dollars over the next 18 months to expand these AI-related operations. Masiyiwa also offered advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of specialization and mastering emerging technologies. He noted that young people today have significant opportunities to start businesses using AI tools, referencing models like Claude and others, and encouraged them to leverage online platforms such as YouTube for learning and growth. Reflecting on his own start, he mentioned beginning his business with just $75, underscoring the potential for success regardless of initial capital.

Recent appearances

Verified interview transcripts

Notable quotes

“We have the greatest opportunity for the African nation to mint billionaires like they were going out of fashion. This AI thing because kids now can start a business. I started my business with $75. If you know how to master Claude, Core, or Mythos, or any of these AI models, and you really avoid having a casual relationship with this, get on YouTube, stay on YouTube, live on YouTube, not to listen to celebrities and”

“We've just built Africa's first AI factory in Cape Town, South Africa. We completed it a couple of months ago. It's completely full already. It was full by the time we switched it on. We are hoping to invest about three, maybe four billion dollars in the next 18 months just to respond.”

“They told us there were only 80 Nvidia GPUs on the African continent. I said to Mr. Wong, I wanted 12,000, and he said, "Sure, you can have them."”

“They've given more than 350,000 scholarships, kept kids in school and supported collapsing health systems in many countries; my role is to help mobilize the support.”

“They have launched a $500 million fund for newborn babies; we lose a lot of babies and mothers because of maternal health issues.”

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