Strive Masiyiwa Honored with W.E.B. Du Bois Medal for Contributions to African and African American Culture

Harvard University recently honored Zimbabwean billionaire and philanthropist Strive Masiyiwa as one of eight recipients of the prestigious W.E.B. Du Bois Medal, the highest accolade in African and African American Studies. The award, presented by the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research, recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to African and African American culture, intellectual life, and advocacy.

Masiyiwa, founder of Econet Wireless and one of Africa’s most influential business leaders, expressed deep gratitude and reflected on the importance of education, literature, and history in shaping his life and career. In a heartfelt message on social media, he revealed his lifelong passion for reading, particularly Black history and African American literature, which he pursued independently while studying in Britain. His intellectual curiosity and admiration for W.E.B. Du Bois, the first Black person to receive a PhD from Harvard, played a crucial role in developing his Pan-African ideals.

“Although I studied as an engineer, I have always loved literature and the social sciences, including economics, history, and politics,” Masiyiwa shared. He encouraged young people to adopt the habit of reading, just as he did, to gain a deeper understanding of the world and its history.

The W.E.B. Du Bois Medal, established to honor the legacy of the civil rights pioneer, has been awarded to numerous notable figures since its inception, underscoring their contributions to both African and African American culture. Masiyiwa’s recognition cements his legacy not only as a business titan but also as a champion of education, culture, and the African diaspora.

“Do yourself one favor… Imitate me in this one passion of my life: Read, read, read!” Masiyiwa urged in his closing statement, echoing the timeless wisdom of Du Bois himself.