Strive Masiyiwa stands as one of Africa’s most influential entrepreneurs and business leaders. As the founder and executive chairman of Econet Wireless, he has built a telecommunications empire that spans across Africa and beyond. But perhaps more importantly, Masiyiwa has become a voice of wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders across the continent and around the world.
Born in Zimbabwe and educated in the UK, Masiyiwa’s journey from a young engineer to a billionaire entrepreneur is filled with valuable lessons about perseverance, innovation, and ethical business practices. His insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and social responsibility have inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams while making a positive impact on their communities.
Why Strive Masiyiwa’s Words Matter
In a continent where youth unemployment remains a critical challenge, Masiyiwa’s emphasis on entrepreneurship and job creation resonates deeply. His quotes aren’t just motivational soundbites – they’re practical wisdom from someone who has navigated the complex landscape of African business for decades.
Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned business leader, or someone seeking inspiration to create positive change, these carefully selected quotes offer profound insights into the mindset and principles that have driven one of Africa’s most successful businessmen.
The 40 Most Inspiring Strive Masiyiwa Quotes
On Entrepreneurship and Job Creation
1. “Even as an African business leader, if you are not thinking about how we create jobs, then you are simply not relevant.”
This quote encapsulates Masiyiwa’s belief that true business leadership goes beyond profit – it’s about creating opportunities for others and contributing to economic development.
2. “The only vehicle that I know through which we can create jobs is through an explosion of entrepreneurship on this continent, supported by the right policies.”
Here, Masiyiwa highlights the critical role of entrepreneurship in addressing Africa’s unemployment challenge, while also calling for supportive government policies.
3. “Go where the need is greatest and the help is smallest.”
This powerful advice encourages entrepreneurs to identify underserved markets and communities where their innovations can make the greatest impact.
On Innovation and Adaptation
4. “Just add a little innovation, to what you do best.”
One of Masiyiwa’s most practical pieces of advice – innovation doesn’t always mean creating something entirely new; it can mean improving what already exists.
5. “Whether you are a farmer, a musician, a fisherman, a taxi driver, a teacher, a student, or even a politician… just add a little innovation to it.”
This quote emphasizes that innovation is accessible to everyone, regardless of their field or background.
6. “Innovation is done by people!”
A reminder that behind every great innovation are passionate, dedicated individuals willing to think differently.
7. “They know that it’s all about innovate or die!”
In today’s rapidly changing business environment, continuous innovation isn’t optional – it’s essential for survival.
On Business Ethics and Integrity
8. “You must be careful what you associate your brand with.”
Brand integrity is crucial for long-term success, and this quote reminds us that every association reflects on our reputation.
9. “For me if someone does not respect an agreement or undertaking I will never do business with them again.”
Trust and reliability are fundamental to sustainable business relationships.
10. “Corruption has no colour. Corruption has no boundary.”
Masiyiwa’s strong stance against corruption transcends race, nationality, and other divisions.
11. “I always say to my business colleagues that you are not committed [to end corruption] until you speak out against it.”
Taking a passive stance against corruption isn’t enough – active opposition is required.
12. “The most powerful force, against corruption begins with one person, saying ‘NO’.”
Individual courage and integrity can spark broader change in business culture and society.
On Personal Development and Skills
13. “If you want to be successful, you’ll need many specialised business skills, but probably the most important one will surprise you: it’s the capacity to READ! Yes, READ!”
In an age of digital distractions, Masiyiwa emphasizes the foundational importance of reading for business success.
14. “You must BUY and own books. It must be a constant investment.”
This quote highlights the value of building a personal library and treating education as an ongoing investment.
15. “For the African continent to grow and prosper, we must build a greater culture of reading in our young generations!”
Masiyiwa connects individual reading habits to broader continental development.
16. “Don’t disadvantage yourself by not having this all-important acquired skill!”
A call to action for continuous learning and skill development.
17. “When I look back at my own entrepreneurial career of almost 40 years, the biggest breakthrough came when I realised that raising money was a skill… an acquired skill. You are not born with it!”
Fundraising, like other business skills, can be learned and mastered through practice and education.
18. “No one is a natural-born negotiator, but it can be learnt.”
Another reminder that essential business skills are developed, not innate.
19. “As an entrepreneur, you must be conscious that every day you must negotiate with someone.”
This quote emphasizes the importance of negotiation skills in daily business operations.
On Resilience and Perseverance
20. “That’s where I was trained in tenacity – from those challenges. That’s where I was trained in fortitude. That’s where I was trained in patience. So challenges are good.”
Masiyiwa reframes challenges as training opportunities that build essential entrepreneurial qualities.
21. “Never imagine that you are too unimportant to solve a big problem… Absolutely not true!”
A powerful reminder that impact isn’t determined by status or resources alone.
22. “There is no problem that you are seeing that you cannot contribute a solution.”
This quote encourages proactive problem-solving rather than passive observation.
23. “For action to really begin, try: ‘I MUST DO SOMETHING!'”
Moving from awareness to action requires a decisive mindset shift.
24. “I believe each and all of you here have the courage to say, ‘I MUST DO SOMETHING’.”
Masiyiwa’s faith in individual potential to create change.
On Digital Transformation and Technology
25. “Every business must have a website!”
In today’s digital age, an online presence isn’t optional for businesses.
26. “Remember a key lesson I’ve shared before: Every business today must do everything possible to drive its growth using the Internet.”
Digital tools and platforms are essential for modern business growth.
27. “Remember, people are able to look at your website from anywhere in the world. So make it world-class.”
Your digital presence should reflect global standards, regardless of your local market.
28. “The Age of AI intelligence has also arrived in Africa!”
Recognition of Africa’s participation in the global technological revolution.
29. “We must use technology to address every day challenges of ordinary people.”
Technology should serve practical, human-centered purposes.
On Leadership and Business Strategy
30. “The most valuable employee is one who knows he or she comes to work to compete for business (irrespective of what they do for the company).”
This quote emphasizes the importance of a competitive, business-focused mindset at all levels.
31. “A successful entrepreneur does not move with the times, but ahead of the times.”
True entrepreneurial success comes from anticipating trends rather than following them.
32. “You must be well prepared when you go to see a potential partner or investor, particularly when it’s you who requested the meeting.”
Preparation and professionalism are crucial for successful business relationships.
33. “Get the deal done, my friend. Don’t waste time!”
Efficiency and decisiveness are important in business negotiations.
34. “It is never good in business to say what you are going to do, before you have done it, or where you are going next [unless it has nothing to do with business].”
Strategic discretion can be a competitive advantage.
35. “You can, too! In fact, if you do not have a mindset to look for opportunities for your business, you aren’t ready for the big time yet…”
Opportunity recognition is a fundamental entrepreneurial skill.
On Social Impact and Agriculture
36. “Small holder farmers produce 80% of the food that is eaten in Africa.”
Recognition of the critical role small-scale farmers play in African food security.
On Timing and Action
37. “There’s no time like the present!”
A call for immediate action rather than procrastination.
On Personal Conduct and Accountability
38. “Live your life as though everything you ‘say’ is being recorded somewhere, and you may be called to account for it one day… It’s not just a spiritual thing, anymore.”
In our digital age, personal accountability has taken on new dimensions.
On Encouragement and Motivation
39. “Stay strong, safe and of good courage everyone, and do your own part.”
A message of encouragement during challenging times.
40. “Happy New Year. Get yourself ready to EntrepreneurIt in 2021!”
Masiyiwa’s call to embrace entrepreneurial thinking and action.
Key Themes in Masiyiwa’s Philosophy
Job Creation as a Moral Imperative
Throughout his quotes, Masiyiwa consistently emphasizes that business success should be measured not just by profit, but by the jobs created and communities uplifted.
Innovation for Everyone
Rather than viewing innovation as the domain of tech geniuses, Masiyiwa democratizes the concept, showing how anyone in any field can innovate.
Ethical Business Practices
His strong stance against corruption and emphasis on integrity shows that ethical practices aren’t just moral choices – they’re business necessities.
Continuous Learning
The emphasis on reading, skill development, and preparation reflects Masiyiwa’s belief that successful entrepreneurs are lifelong learners.
Digital-First Thinking
His advocacy for websites and internet-driven growth shows his understanding of digital transformation’s importance for African businesses.
Applying Masiyiwa’s Wisdom to Your Life
These quotes aren’t just inspiring words – they’re actionable principles. Whether you’re starting a business, leading a team, or seeking to make a positive impact in your community, Masiyiwa’s insights provide a roadmap for ethical, innovative, and impactful success.
Consider how you can “add a little innovation” to what you do best, how you can develop essential skills like reading and negotiation, and how you can use your unique position to create opportunities for others.
Final Thoughts
Strive Masiyiwa’s words remind us that true success isn’t just about personal achievement – it’s about lifting others as we climb. His emphasis on job creation, ethical business practices, and innovative thinking offers a blueprint for building businesses that are both profitable and purposeful.
In a world where business leaders are increasingly called upon to address social challenges, Masiyiwa’s philosophy provides a compelling example of how entrepreneurship can be a force for positive change. As you reflect on these quotes, consider how you can apply his wisdom to create not just success for yourself, but opportunities and hope for others.
What’s your favorite Strive Masiyiwa quote? Share it in the comments below and tell us how it has inspired your entrepreneurial journey or business philosophy.
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