Tsitsi Masiyiwa has built a legacy as a philanthropist, impact investor, and advocate for human capital development across Africa. Her visionary leadership in both the non-profit and philanthropic sectors has reshaped how we approach social impact, poverty alleviation, and education on the continent.
As the Executive Chair and Co-Founder of Higherlife Foundation, which she launched with her husband, Strive Masiyiwa, in 1996, Tsitsi has dedicated over two decades to addressing some of Africa’s most pressing challenges. Through Higherlife Foundation, she spearheads initiatives that focus on education, health, disaster preparedness, and food security, creating opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive. The foundation’s model of investing in education, particularly scholarships and mentorship programs for underprivileged youth, has helped to transform the lives of thousands across multiple African nations.
Tsitsi’s passion for human capital development extends far beyond charity. In 2017, she established Delta Philanthropies, a U.K.-registered charity aimed at catalyzing innovative solutions to eliminate poverty. Delta Philanthropies focuses on impact investing, which moves beyond traditional grant-making to fund sustainable development solutions. This innovative approach has allowed Tsitsi to convene strategic partnerships and incubate new development models that empower African communities in meaningful and lasting ways.
Her work has garnered global recognition, with Tsitsi becoming a trusted advisor and thought leader in various international spaces. Her counsel is sought after by universities, national leaders, and social entrepreneurs alike. She provides expert insight on education, leadership development, and youth empowerment, further cementing her reputation as an agent of change. Her vast knowledge and experience in these areas have made her a pivotal figure in shaping the future of education and philanthropy in Africa.
Tsitsi’s influence is not confined to Africa. Her leadership extends globally, with her serving on prestigious boards such as the African Philanthropy Forum, the END Fund, and UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited Initiative. Through her role as Chair of the African Philanthropy Forum, she works to inspire and mobilize other African philanthropists to contribute towards sustainable development in their communities.
One of Tsitsi’s key strengths is her ability to merge philanthropy with strategic thinking and leadership, creating a ripple effect of empowerment. Whether it’s through her roles with the Sesame Workshop Global Advisory Group, Texas A&M University’s International Advisory Board, or the Prince’s Trust International West Africa Advisory Board, her impact is felt globally. Her global recognition includes receiving Honorary Doctorate degrees from institutions such as Morehouse University in Atlanta and Africa University in Zimbabwe.
In addition to her many accolades, Tsitsi and her husband, Strive, are signatories to the Giving Pledge, a global movement of philanthropists committed to giving the majority of their wealth to address society’s most pressing problems. This pledge reflects Tsitsi’s unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on a grand scale.
