by SAVIOUS KWINIKA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – AFRICAN telecoms and technology mogul Strive Masiyiwa has urged entrepreneurs on the continent to act early in adopting emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), warning that hesitation could leave them as mere consumers rather than innovators.
Reflecting on his own journey, the Econet founder recalled that he first encountered the idea of the internet years before it became mainstream, much like his early exposure to mobile phones.
“Entrepreneurs amongst you: get in early!” he advised. “The first time I heard about the internet must have been at least five years before it became a topic of public discussion in places like newspapers. I determined to understand how it really worked. Soon, it became a passion of mine.”
Masiyiwa emphasized that mentorship and the right sources of knowledge were crucial for innovators.
“It really matters who you are listening to. If you are an entrepreneur, listen to entrepreneurs. I remember going to Germany to meet with some young entrepreneurs with whom I was corresponding. They taught me how to set up ‘dot com’ businesses of all kinds, and it was really cool.”
Despite running his mobile phone business during the day, Masiyiwa said he devoted nights to studying the internet’s impact. That persistence later led to the founding of Liquid Intelligent Technologies, which he started with just four employees and has since grown into a multinational firm employing more than 5,000 people across over 30 countries.
“Although I can have a big vision about what I intend to do, I have the humility to start small,” he said.
“Do something to get you started, even if it is polishing shoes! Don’t make perfect the enemy of good… always waiting for things to come right before you start.”
Masiyiwa outlined five key lessons for entrepreneurs venturing into fast-evolving sectors like AI:
Masiyiwa urged African entrepreneurs to get in early in order to embrace technologies before they become mainstream, listen to the right people (entrepreneurs) in order to learn from them while encouraging to become practical in experimenting with what one knows.
He urged African entrepreneurs to turn knowledge into opportunities in learning to create actionable projects. while starting small arguing big visions must begin with small, humble steps.
Applying these principles, Masiyiwa noted, was crucial for Africa’s participation in the ongoing AI revolution.
“This AI stuff is the biggest opportunity you are going to see, but unless you understand these five steps, you are going to be a user and a customer of some great new products and services, but not the entrepreneur,” Masiyiwa warned.
He added that vision without insight amounted to “daydreaming,” underscoring the importance of business planning and clear strategies.
“First, I had a vision, and then it became an insight, in that order,” he said.
Encouraging young Africans, Masiyiwa concluded: “Where do you want to go? What do you need to do to get there? I trust you are all busy skilling up. Please share your own AI learning resources and experiences with others.”
– CAJ News