This episode explores the life and career of Strive Masiyiwa, Zimbabwe's first billionaire, focusing on his entrepreneurial journey in the face of political and economic turmoil. Against the backdrop of Zimbabwe's transition from Southern Rhodesia to an independent nation under Robert Mugabe, Masiyiwa's early business ventures and his battle against government bureaucracy are highlighted. More significantly, the discussion covers his entry into the telecommunications industry, marked by a protracted legal fight with Mugabe's government to launch Econet, a mobile network. Despite facing corruption, intimidation, and financial challenges, Masiyiwa's persistence led to a landmark legal victory, enabling Econet to become a major player in Zimbabwe's economy. As the discussion pivots to Masiyiwa's expansion across Africa and his embrace of mobile money transfer services like EcoCash, the hosts underscore his transformative impact on the continent's digital infrastructure. Ultimately, Masiyiwa's journey from a kidnap victim to a philanthropist and influential figure in African business reflects his resilience, commitment to innovation, and dedication to driving positive change, leading the hosts to conclude that he is a "good billionaire."
