A few days ago, Pan-African technology company Cassava Technologies secured USD 90M equity from investors to complete its USD 310M restructuring plan.

Reacting to the development, its largest stakeholder, Strive Masiyiwa congratulated the team in a post via his Facebook handle as seen by Techparley correspondent.

“My congratulations to the Cassava and Liquid Executive management teams, led by CEO and President Hardy Pemhiwa,” he posted. “As your largest shareholder, it was great to watch and see you do this. Together we’re reaching a new stage of growth with exciting new shared opportunities ahead,” he added.

The news got the tech community talking with many in admiration for the company and the man behind the success.

In an adjoining post, the billionaire acknowledged how difficult raising investments for business can be, saying, “Raising money for African businesses is hard, irrespective of the size.”

He explained, “It requires a clear and compelling vision, with a well set out Business Plan. You need to show exactly how your profit formula works: #Innovation + #Marketing – Cost = #Profit, and explain who and where exactly are your #Customers that want to pay for what your business sells.

“Innovation is really about the #Product or service you are selling to either businesses or #People [consumers]. Marketing covers every aspect of the sales and distribution #Process. Cost: it is one thing to be able to sell, but do you have the discipline to manage Costs, and keep the business focused on its mission?”

But who is this man?

Strive Masiyiwa, 63, is the driving force behind Cassava Technologies, a global provider of cutting-edge telecom solutions, specializing in ICT and telecommunications projects since its establishment in 2021.

Born on 29 January 1961 in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), Masiyiwa’s entrepreneurial journey began after completing a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Wales in 1983. See More..