Econet Group is proud to celebrate the recognition of our Founder and Executive Chairman, Strive Masiyiwa, on the prestigious TIME100 AI 2025 list, which honours the most influential leaders shaping the future of artificial intelligence worldwide.
This global recognition underscores Strive Masiyiwa’s unwavering commitment to ensuring Africa has the digital infrastructure, skills, and access it needs to thrive in the AI era.
Building Africa’s AI Future
Earlier this year, Cassava Technologies announced a landmark partnership with NVIDIA to build Africa’s first network of AI Factories — advanced data centres designed to deliver the computing power required to develop and run cutting-edge AI systems.
The first facility launched in South Africa in June 2025, with additional sites planned in Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, and Morocco. Collectively, the $720 million investment represents one of the most ambitious digital infrastructure initiatives on the continent. These factories are set to empower African entrepreneurs, researchers, and businesses, reducing reliance on overseas providers and unlocking innovation that can address Africa’s unique opportunities and challenges.
Recognition on a Global Stage
In joining the TIME100 AI 2025, Strive Masiyiwa is recognised alongside some of the world’s most visionary leaders advancing artificial intelligence — from pioneering researchers and technologists to policymakers and industry trailblazers.
This honour affirms the growing global significance of Africa’s digital transformation journey and highlights the role that African leadership can play in shaping the responsible development of AI for the benefit of humanity.
Read More:
You can read the full TIME100 AI 2025 feature on Strive Masiyiwa here: https://time.com/collections/time100-ai-2025/7305874/strive-masiyiwa/