Tsitsi Masiyiwa is a Zimbabwean philanthropist focused on human capital development in Africa. She advises universities, national leaders and social entrepreneurs on education, health, leadership development, gender equality and youth empowerment. She has received honorary doctorates from Bryant University, Africa University and Morehouse College.
Masiyiwa was named among Top 100 Influential Africans of 2023 by New African.[1]
Early life and education
Born in Harare, Zimbabwe, on January 4, 1965, Masiyiwa attended Chishawasha Primary School and the Dominican Convent High School in Harare. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Studies in 1988 at the University of Zimbabwe and later completed an MBA (Masters of Business Administration) at the same university.[2]
Philanthropy and social impact
In 1996, Masiyiwa and her husband, Strive Masiyiwa, co-founded Higherlife Foundation. The foundation invests in education, health and sustainable livelihoods in Africa. Its programs include scholarships for orphaned and vulnerable children,[3] support for academically gifted students, maternal and neonatal health initiatives[4] efforts to eliminate neglected tropical diseases and cholera and training in climate-smart agriculture. Higherlife Foundation has also established emergency operations centres in Zimbabwe.[5]
In 2017, Masiyiwa established Delta Philanthropies for impact investing and grant-making. Delta Philanthropies aims to address poverty through strategic partnerships and innovative development models.[6][7]
Leadership and influence
Masiyiwa serves as Board Chair of Higherlife Foundation and Delta Philanthropies. She is also a board member of the END Fund, Masana wa Afrika[8] and Co-Impact. She is a member of the Sesame Workshop Global Advisory Group,[9] the International Advisory Board for Texas A&M University,[10] the Yale Institute of Global Health Advisory Board,[11] the King's Trust International Africa Advisory Board[12] and the Kenjin-Tatsujin International Advisory Council.[13]
In 2014, Masiyiwa helped establish the African Philanthropy Forum, serving as a founding board member and Board Chair from 2016 to 2022. She advocates for the elimination of neglected tropical diseases and was appointed Board Chair of the END Fund in 2023.[14][15][16]
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