Strive Masiyiwa, one of Africa’s most influential entrepreneurs and philanthropists, is well-known for his pioneering ventures in telecommunications. However, beyond his business success, Masiyiwa has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to transforming lives across the continent through philanthropy. Together with his wife, Tsitsi Masiyiwa, he co-founded two powerful platforms, Higherlife Foundation and Delta Philanthropies, which are driving sustainable development and empowering Africa’s future generations.
The Genesis of Higherlife Foundation
Founded in 1996, the Higherlife Foundation was established to support orphaned and vulnerable children in Zimbabwe. At its core, the foundation seeks to provide these children with access to quality education, helping them to break the cycle of poverty and achieve their full potential. The foundation’s efforts quickly grew, expanding its reach to countries such as Lesotho, Burundi, and South Africa.
The inspiration for Higherlife Foundation stemmed from the Masiyiwas’ own experiences and belief in education as a transformative tool. Recognizing that education could unlock opportunities, the couple committed themselves to investing in Africa’s youth.
Impact of Higherlife Foundation
Since its inception, the foundation has supported the education of over 250,000 students across Africa. Some of its notable programs include:
- Scholarship Programs: The Joshua Nkomo Scholarship and Capernaum Scholarships provide financial assistance to exceptional and vulnerable students, ensuring access to quality education.
- Health and Wellness Initiatives: Higherlife Foundation extends its efforts beyond education by addressing health challenges, especially for young people.
- Disaster Relief: In times of crisis, such as Cyclone Idai in 2019, the foundation has provided relief and assistance to affected communities.
Through these initiatives, Higherlife Foundation has become a beacon of hope for many children, inspiring them to dream big and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Delta Philanthropies: Scaling Up Social Impact
In 2017, the Masiyiwas took their philanthropic work to the next level by establishing Delta Philanthropies, a UK-registered charity. While the Higherlife Foundation focuses on vulnerable children, Delta Philanthropies aims to address broader developmental challenges in Africa, particularly in human capital development, social entrepreneurship, and impact investing.
The organization adopts innovative approaches to philanthropy, blending charity with sustainable investments to drive long-term economic growth and social development.
Key Focus Areas of Delta Philanthropies:
- Education: Supporting capacity-building programs to equip Africa’s youth with the skills needed for the 21st century.
- Rural Transformation: Investing in agricultural and rural development projects to empower marginalized communities.
- Leadership Development: Promoting leadership and governance initiatives to build a robust future for African nations.
By creating Delta Philanthropies, Strive Masiyiwa has shown that philanthropy can go beyond donations to include impactful investments that generate measurable outcomes.
A Philanthropic Philosophy Rooted in Sustainable Development
At the heart of Strive Masiyiwa’s philanthropic endeavors is his philosophy that Africa’s development lies in its people. His approach integrates education, social entrepreneurship, and innovation to address the continent’s most pressing issues sustainably.
Masiyiwa’s philanthropic vision aligns closely with global development goals, particularly those of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From reducing poverty to improving education and fostering partnerships, his initiatives represent a model for effective philanthropy.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Through Higherlife Foundation and Delta Philanthropies, Strive Masiyiwa has not only provided opportunities for Africa’s youth but has also inspired a new wave of socially-conscious entrepreneurs and leaders. His story underscores the importance of giving back to society and using success as a platform for positive change.
Our Take:
Strive Masiyiwa’s journey as a philanthropist is as remarkable as his accomplishments in business. By founding the Higherlife Foundation and Delta Philanthropies, he has demonstrated that true success is measured by the lives one touches. His commitment to education and social impact continues to shape the future of Africa, offering hope and opportunities to millions.
Masiyiwa’s work is a reminder that we all have a role to play in building a better world—whether through education, innovation, or simply lending a helping hand to those in need.
