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Zimbabwe’s telecom giant Econet Wireless has taken a deliberate, symbolic step into the next generation: adding Sarah Masiyiwa to its board as an Alternate Director, effective 1 October 2025. She joins her sister, Elizabeth Tanya Masiyiwa, who has served as a full director since April 2022. The move marks a consolidation of the Masiyiwa family’s influence in the company founded by their father, Strive Masiyiwa, just as he transitions out of frontline governance roles in the business realm.
Succession in motion at the boardroom
Econet signalled the change in late September, noting Sarah’s role would add depth to “investment strategy and business development,” reflecting her experience managing portfolios across public and private sectors. Her background in economics, journalism and oversight positions in global media further supports the narrative of an evolving leadership. Elizabeth, meanwhile, has been building her profile — balancing boards in philanthropy and impact, especially through the Higherlife Foundation, and maintaining a presence in innovation, education and social causes. Her appointment in 2022, coming just after Strive stepped down from directorship roles, was seen as the opening act of a longer handover. By installing Sarah, the family now holds two seats — one full, one alternate — reinforcing both symbolic and practical control over corporate direction. Analysts say this move is less about day-to-day tasks than about preserving governance alignment across strategy, legacy and generational vision.
Masiyiwa steps back, family steps in
Strive Masiyiwa, long at the helm of Econet Global and its Zimbabwean arm, has gradually ceded formal governance roles in recent years. His transition mirrors trends elsewhere in family-run African groups: shifting power from the founder to trusted kin while maintaining strategic oversight.
Though Sarah’s appointment is effective October 2025, the decision was made public in late September in a board communique. That notice also confirmed another name: veteran executive Tracy Mpofu is joining as a non-executive director, adding external balance and experience.
The timing is strategic: as telecoms and digital ecosystems in Africa grow more complex, having aligned family figures in governance may streamline decision-making, ward off external board capture, and preserve long-term vision. But under that roof lurks a familiar tension — balancing meritocracy with legacy.
Risks, signal and ripple effects
The Masiyiwa family’s double presence on the board sends a signal — one of continuity, control and intention. In the volatile landscape of African telecoms and investment, that can be an advantage. It may also prompt scrutiny: will dissenting voices find space, and can the sisters navigate their roles distinct from their father’s shadow?
Beyond Zimbabwe, the move is likely to reverberate across similar family-built groups, especially in telecom, media and financial services. Where founders are stepping back, the question is: who steps forward? In this case, the Masiyiwas have answered that question with two names, not one.
For Strive, the transition is perhaps less about abdication and more about long-term stewardship. With his daughters now formal actors in governance, his legacy is codified — but execution will test whether family alignment proves a strength or a constraint.
