Strive Masiyiwa, the Zimbabwean billionaire and telecoms magnate, has issued a compelling call for a paradigm shift in Africa’s education system, urging governments to prioritise Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in response to the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Speaking at the Kigali AI & Innovation Summit, Masiyiwa emphasised that Africa’s long-term economic and technological viability hinges on its ability to equip young people with the skills necessary to thrive in an AI-driven world.
Masiyiwa, the Founder and Executive Chairman of Econet Group and Cassava Technologies, highlighted that AI is already revolutionising critical industries such as finance, healthcare, agriculture, and telecommunications. Without strategic investment in STEM education, Africa risks perpetuating its role as a consumer rather than an innovator in the digital age.
“Africa’s future will not be determined by how well we manage resources but by how we empower our young people with the right skills,” Masiyiwa stated. “AI is already reshaping industries, and if we do not invest in STEM education, we will continue to be consumers rather than innovators.”
His warning comes at a crucial juncture. The global AI revolution is progressing at an unprecedented pace, and many African nations are at risk of being left behind. He pointed to emerging AI hubs in countries such as Rwanda, Kenya, and South Africa, which have taken proactive steps to integrate digital innovation into their economies. These nations have made notable investments in AI research, fintech, and robotics, demonstrating the potential for technology-driven economic growth.
Despite these advancements, many African governments have been slow to prioritise STEM education, often hindered by systemic challenges such as inadequate funding, outdated curricula, and insufficient technological infrastructure. Masiyiwa cited Rwanda’s AI policies as an example of effective governance, praising President Paul Kagame’s administration for its commitment to digital transformation through investments in coding schools, AI research hubs, and modern digital infrastructure.
He underscored that Africa’s youth are its greatest asset and that equipping them with skills in AI, robotics, and other technological disciplines is imperative for wealth creation. “The biggest asset we have is our young people,” he noted. “If we empower them with knowledge in AI, robotics, and digital technology, we will create wealth beyond anything we have seen before.”
Masiyiwa’s stance aligns with a growing consensus among global experts who argue that nations that fail to embrace AI and digital innovation will struggle to compete in the future economy. The World Economic Forum has repeatedly emphasised the role of AI in shaping global economic landscapes, estimating that AI-related advancements could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the world economy by 2030. However, Africa’s share of this potential remains uncertain unless deliberate action is taken to bridge the continent’s digital divide.
His remarks also reflect broader concerns about the future of work in Africa. According to the African Development Bank, over 10 million young people enter the African job market each year, yet many lack the necessary skills to compete in an increasingly automated world. The failure to integrate AI into education could exacerbate unemployment challenges across the continent, widening economic disparities and limiting opportunities for sustainable development.
Masiyiwa has long been an advocate for digital transformation in Africa. Under his leadership, Econet Group has played a pivotal role in expanding telecommunications and digital services across multiple African nations. His company, Cassava Technologies, has also been instrumental in promoting AI-driven solutions in financial services, e-commerce, and data analytics. His vision for Africa’s future is one in which technology becomes a driver of economic independence rather than an external force that African nations merely react to.
At the Kigali AI & Innovation Summit, his message was clear: Africa cannot afford to delay its investment in STEM education. The continent’s ability to shape its own technological destiny depends on the policies adopted today. “If we continue to ignore technology, we will wake up one day to find that AI has taken over everything—from our businesses to our jobs. We must act now,” Masiyiwa warned.
His call to action raises a critical question: Will African governments respond with the urgency required to implement the necessary reforms, or will the continent remain on the periphery of the AI revolution? The decisions made in the coming years will determine Africa’s place in the global technological landscape.
Masiyiwa’s appeal to policymakers is a challenge to rethink traditional education models and embrace a future where AI, automation, and advanced computing are integrated into national development strategies. His advocacy underscores the reality that while natural resources have long defined Africa’s economic prospects, the future will be shaped by how effectively the continent harnesses knowledge and innovation.
The global shift towards AI-driven economies offers Africa an opportunity to redefine its role in the international arena. The question remains: will Africa seize the moment, or will it once again find itself lagging behind as other regions capitalise on the AI revolution? For Masiyiwa, the answer is evident—Africa must act decisively, or it risks being left behind.
