Who Owns Econet?
Econet Wireless Zimbabwe Limited is a publicly listed company on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE).
🧑💼 Founder & Largest Shareholder
Strive Masiyiwa — Billionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist — is the founder of Econet.
He is regarded as the most influential and largest single shareholder connected with the Econet Group structure globally.
Although he is widely associated with Econet’s ownership, he does not own 100% — the company is publicly traded, and shares are held by retail and institutional investors.
📊 Parent Structure
Econet Zimbabwe is part of the broader Econet Group (Econet Global) — an international telecom and technology conglomerate with operations across Africa, Europe, and beyond.
The Econet Group is privately controlled, with Masiyiwa as Executive Chairman and senior family and business allies in leadership roles.
👉 In simple terms:
Ownership: Publicly listed company (Econet Wireless Zimbabwe) with shares held by public investors and major stakes linked to the Econet Group entities.
Founder & Principal Influence: Strive Masiyiwa remains the key figure driving strategy and group direction.
👔 Who Is the Current CEO of Econet Zimbabwe? 📍 CEO of Econet Wireless Zimbabwe Limited
**Dr. Douglas Mboweni — Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Econet Wireless Zimbabwe Limited.
Dr. Mboweni has been with the group since the 1990s and was appointed to the board in 2003.
📍 CEO of the Fintech Arm
Eddie Chibi remains the CEO of Econet’s fintech businesses (including EcoCash, EcoSure, Vaya Technologies, health funds and related units).
These fintech businesses have been integrated under the corporate structure of Econet after a 2024 restructuring.
📍 Group Leadership
Hardy Pemhiwa serves as President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Cassava Technologies, which is the parent technology and services group within the broader Econet corporate ecosystem.
👉 Summary of Leadership:
Founder & Group Owner Influence: Strive Masiyiwa (Executive Chairman of the broader Econet Group).
CEO (Telecom Arm): Dr. Douglas Mboweni — leads Econet Wireless Zimbabwe.
CEO (Fintech Businesses): Eddie Chibi — runs key digital finance units tied to Econet.
Group Tech CEO: Hardy Pemhiwa — heads Cassava Technologies and plays a major strategic role across the group.
🧠 Why This Matters
Econet Wireless Zimbabwe is one of Zimbabwe’s largest companies by market capitalization and arguably the most influential technology & telecom brand in the country. It connects millions of subscribers through mobile services, mobile money (EcoCash), insurance, fintech platforms, and digital services — with leadership and strategic direction shaped by both local executives and founders with continental influence.