Masiyiwa says he is oftentimes shocked when even the media who should know better, feed into the incorrect public narrative that he owns Econet when in actual fact he does not even have 50% shareholding
Telecomm mogul Strive Masiyiwa says contrary to public sentiment, he does not actually own Econet, Zimbabwe’s largest mobile telephony operator.The billionaire Econet Wireless founder and Executive Chairperson says he is just one of the tens of thousands of investors in Econet, a publicly listed tech giant.
”I have never personally held more than 50%, since Econet was listed. So I actually don’t own the company. I’m simply the largest single shareholder,” writes Masiyiwa on his widely followed Facebook page.Masiyiwa adds that even though Econet employs over 5,000 people, he has never met 98% of them, including some very senior managers at the company.
Masiyiwa says he is oftentimes shocked when even the media who should know better, feed into the incorrect public narrative that he owns Econet when in actual fact he does not even have 50% shareholding.“(But) you will still find even media people saying of a public listed entity ‘the Strive Masiyiwa-owned business’. And some will even ask me to intervene on things I have no idea about, and should not be expected to know.
“They never shook away the BigMan idea developed when they were young,” he says, adding that this was not unique to Zimbabwe, but common across Africa.“Many of us simply struggle to see institutions and corporate structures, and only see a person.When I was a child there were two types of African business people: a “BigMan” was someone who had started with a small shop in the village, and then expanded it into a supermarket (usually in the nearest big town).
As I got older the BigMan had ventured into operating buses and Keke (kombi, matatu).“Strive, if you want to make money one day, you must go into the WhiteMan’s business”, my uncle counseled me at the age of 14. “The WhiteMan makes money from mining and farming, using our natural resources.
”“When I started my career, new areas of entrepreneurship had opened up. We could now get government tenders as long as our own kinsmen were in control. It was a simple compact: Vote our own guys in and they will help us get to the feeding trough!“Moving Africa forward requires us to dramatically change our mindset both as entrepreneurs, and also in popular culture that shapes how our people perceive entrepreneurs. Our teachers must be challenged to show our kids what is true entrepreneurship. Our policymakers must be focused on developing policies that encourage entrepreneurship in every sphere of our economy.
“In entrepreneurship, there is no such thing as “value addition”. That is an outdated concept. We need to replace that expression with “innovation and entrepreneurship”.Masiyiwa is a Forbes global influencer and uses his huge Facebook followership of over 3.9 million fans to project his pan African business ideas. He also regularly mentors young enterpreneurs and is Zimbabwe’s first billionaire in US dollar terms
Info News
Mental Health Awareness and Emotional Well-Being
Mental health is an important aspect of overall well-being that affects emotions, thoughts, and behavior. Anxiety, depression, stress, and emotional burnout have become increasingly common due to modern lifestyles, financial pressure, social expectations, and digital overload.
rnrn
One major reason mental health awareness has grown is the recognition that emotional well-being affects physical health, relationships, and workplace productivity. Many organizations now provide mental health support programs, counseling services, and wellness initiatives to help employees manage stress effectively.
rnrn
Technology has expanded access to mental health resources through teletherapy platforms, meditation apps, and online counseling services. Social media campaigns and public awareness initiatives are helping reduce stigma and encourage open conversations about mental health challenges.
rnrn
However, barriers such as limited healthcare access, cultural stigma, and financial constraints still prevent many individuals from seeking help. Experts emphasize the importance of supportive communities, education, and professional mental health services in improving emotional well-being.
rnrn
Mental health awareness continues becoming a global priority as societies recognize the importance of emotional balance and psychological support for overall quality of life.
rn
The Importance of Financial Literacy in Modern Society
Financial literacy is the ability to understand and manage personal finances effectively. It includes budgeting, saving, investing, debt management, and financial planning. In today’s economy, financial literacy has become increasingly important as individuals face rising living costs, complex financial products, and growing economic uncertainty.
rnrn
One of the key benefits of financial literacy is improved money management. Individuals who understand budgeting and saving strategies are better prepared to handle emergencies and achieve long-term financial goals. Financial education also helps consumers avoid excessive debt and make informed decisions regarding loans, mortgages, and investments.
rnrn
Many young adults struggle with financial management due to limited education about personal finance. Schools and educational institutions are increasingly recognizing the importance of teaching financial literacy to students. Topics such as credit scores, retirement planning, taxes, and responsible spending habits can help individuals build stronger financial futures.
rnrn
Technology has made financial management more accessible through mobile banking apps, investment platforms, and budgeting tools. Consumers can now monitor expenses, transfer money, and manage savings directly from smartphones. However, financial scams and online fraud continue increasing, making financial awareness even more essential.
rnrn
Experts emphasize that financial literacy contributes to economic stability and personal independence. Individuals who develop strong financial habits are more likely to achieve financial security and avoid long-term economic hardship.
rn
