This week’s Sunday Luminary shines a light on Tsitsi Masiyiwa, a trailblazing African philanthropist, social entrepreneur, and advocate for human capital development. Through her unwavering dedication to education, health, leadership development, gender equality, and youth empowerment, she has transformed countless lives across the continent of Africa.

For over two decades, Tsitsi Masiyiwa has been at the forefront of philanthropy and social change in Africa. In 1996, alongside her husband Strive Masiyiwa, she co-founded the Higherlife Foundation, an organization committed to fostering human capital development through education, healthcare, food security, and disaster preparedness. Her leadership in this initiative has positioned Higherlife Foundation as one of Africa’s leading philanthropic organizations, empowering communities and shaping the future of countless young Africans.

As the Chair of Higherlife Foundation and Delta Philanthropies, Tsitsi continues to drive innovative and sustainable solutions to some of Africa’s most pressing challenges. Delta Philanthropies, which she established in 2017, serves as a platform for impact investing and grant-making, designed to unlock and catalyze innovative solutions for poverty eradication and sustainable development.

Tsitsi Masiyiwa is deeply passionate about education and believes in its power to uplift individuals and communities. Under her leadership, the Joshua Nkomo Scholarship Fund was launched to provide top-tier educational opportunities to Zimbabwe’s brightest students, particularly in STEM fields. The initiative has nurtured generations of leaders committed to excellence, ethical standards, and transformative change.

Speaking about her commitment to education, she stated:

“Higherlife Foundation is leading the way in STEM education in Africa through the Joshua Nkomo Scholarship. This year, we are looking for 200 of Zimbabwe’s brightest minds with strong ethical values and standards to join our growing community of Joshualites.”

Tsitsi’s dedication has garnered global recognition. She has received honorary doctorate degrees from Morehouse University in Atlanta and Africa University in Zimbabwe. She has also been honored with the Point of Light Award and the Champions for Change Award for Leadership from the International Center for Research on Women (ICRW).

Her influence extends beyond philanthropy, as she serves on multiple international advisory boards, including, The African Philanthropy Forum (founding board member and Chair), The END Fund (Chair), Generation Unlimited Global Leadership Council, Yale Institute for Global Health Advisory Board, The Prince’s Trust International West Africa Advisory Board, Kenjin-Tatsujin International Advisory Council to mention just a few.

She has also contributed her expertise as a judge for esteemed global awards such as the Rolex Awards and the Templeton Prize.

Tsitsi Masiyiwa and her husband, Strive Masiyiwa, have been signatories of the Giving Pledge since 2014, committing to dedicating their wealth to philanthropic efforts that will uplift Africa. Through her work, Tsitsi consistently advocates for a culture of generosity, emphasizing the importance of reinvesting in communities to create sustainable development.

In her own words:

“If we return to our roots and get involved, we can foster a spirit of generosity that uplifts us all. I often pause to ask myself: What kind of world am I leaving for my children? For my grandchildren? These are the kind of questions that should guide our decisions.”

Through her visionary leadership, Tsitsi Masiyiwa continues to redefine philanthropy in Africa, ensuring that the next generation has the tools, education, and opportunities to thrive. Her story is one of purpose, impact, and an unwavering belief in Africa’s potential.