Dear Big Brother Strive Masiyiwa
Zimbabwe is home to visionary figures who have risen to global prominence, and you, my brother Strive Masiyiwa, stand tall among them. Your recent $720 million decision to build five Artificial Intelligence (AI) factories across Africa is commendable and ground breaking, but it leaves many Zimbabweans, myself included, with a bittersweet feeling: Why is Zimbabwe not part of this transformative initiative?
As the founder of Cassava Technologies, you have been a source of inspiration for decades. You built Econet Wireless into one of Africa’s largest telecom groups and expanded into fields like cloud computing, fintech, and artificial intelligence. We Zimbabweans are immensely proud of your achievements, but, as the old adage goes, “charity begins at home.” It is only natural for us to question why your latest venture excludes Zimbabwe—the very soil that nurtured your dreams and talents.
Why Zimbabwe Needs You Now Strive.
Zimbabwe is grappling with a myriad of challenges like any other developing country: unemployment, technological stagnation, and economic instability, among others. Our youth, in particular, are desperate for opportunities to unlock their potential and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development. Brother Strive, by investing in AI infrastructure in Zimbabwe, you could empower thousands of young minds and enable them to become global players in the digital economy.
Our National ICT Policy emphasizes the need to embrace information and communication technology (ICT) as a driver of development. However, without the necessary infrastructure to support innovation, this vision risks remaining a distant dream. Imagine the transformative impact of an AI factory in Zimbabwe: jobs would be created, researchers would access cutting-edge tools, and startups could thrive without relying on costly overseas outsourcing.
Your leadership and resources could help Zimbabwe bridge the gap between aspiration and achievement. By prioritizing your homeland, you would help move Zimbabwe from step one to step two, aligning with our Vision 2030 goals of becoming an upper middle-income economy.
The Role of a Big Brother
You have earned your place on the global stage, but with great success comes great responsibility. Zimbabwe continues to look up to you as a guiding light. However, your decision to prioritize other African countries over Zimbabwe feels like a missed opportunity to play the role of a big brother. Yes, your mission to empower the African continent as a whole is noble, but Zimbabwe’s unique challenges require urgent attention from Zimbabweans,you inclusive my brother.. Local talent is brimming with ideas, yet the country lacks the infrastructure to turn those ideas into reality. By establishing an AI factory in Zimbabwe, you would not only address unemployment but also inspire a new generation of innovators who could propel Zim to global heights.
While I personally appreciate that the AI factories also built in part by Cassava Technologies aim to provide local AI infrastructure in major African markets and are also expected to bolster Africa’s position in the global AI arena and reduce dependency on overseas countries , big brother Strive,,the same facilities could also be used to reduce Zimbabwe’s dependency especially on neighboring countries since we are informed of the construction of your first AI factory already in progress in South Africa. My heart personally bleeds on the thinking of Zimbabweans playing beggar and refuge game to access ‘’their own resource produced by their own Strive‘’ from a neighboring country.
A Call to Revisit Your Decision
Your vision for a “Sovereign AI Cloud” that allows African countries to host and run their own AI systems locally is ground-breaking. But Zimbabwe must be part of this vision. I urge you, as a fellow Zimbabwean and a senior educationist, to revisit your decision and consider adding Zimbabwe to your list of countries for AI factories. Investing in Zimbabwe’s digital future will yield immeasurable returns—not just for the country but for the continent as a whole.
Your decision to exclude Zimbabwe is also a reminder of the work we must do as a nation to create an environment that attracts investment. But it is equally a call to you to remember your roots and the dreams of millions of Zimbabweans who look up to you.
Zimbabwe Deserves the Best
Brother Strive, Zimbabweans have been the backbone of the Econet economic empire, supporting it from the ground up. It is only fair that Zimbabweans be seen to benefit directly from this success. While we appreciate your corporate social responsibility efforts, shown especially by promoting education in Zimbabwe, now is the time for you to again plough back and thank your kinsmen in style. Zimbabwe should not come as an afterthought—it should be your foremost priority. After all, home is sweet home, and Zimbabwe deserves nothing but the very best from one of its brightest sons-Strive.
Moving in Line with Global Standards
As we strive to achieve Vision 2030 and move in line with global standards, we need leaders like you, Brother Strive, to lead the charge. Zimbabwe’s future depends on the contributions of its sons and daughters. You, Strive Masiyiwa, have the power to transform Zimbabwe into a hub of technological innovation. Let this be a gentle but firm reminder: Zimbabwe needs you. We look up to you as one of our own, and we hope you will answer the call to prioritize your homeland. Together, we can achieve greatness.
With respect and hope,
Aleta Makomeke
Opinionist and Senior Educationist.
