Zimbabwean philanthropist Tsitsi Masiyiwa has been named to TIME’s first-ever TIME100 Philanthropy list. The list highlights global leaders who are using their resources and influence to address major humanitarian challenges through impactful giving.
Tsitsi, co-founder of the Higherlife Foundation, was recognized for her role in promoting education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment across Africa. She is one of the few African women on the list and a signatory of the Giving Pledge, a global campaign where billionaires commit to donating most of their wealth to charitable causes.
“This recognition isn’t about individual achievement, it’s about collective impact,” Tsitsi said in a statement. “Whether through the Giving Pledge or initiatives like the Gates Foundation’s bold endgame strategy. We’re all working toward the same goal: using our resources to solve humanity’s greatest challenges while we’re here to see the difference.”
TIME praised Tsitsi and other honorees for embracing “strategic giving” an approach that focuses on funding projects with measurable impact and long-term solutions.
“The acknowledgement highlights what’s possible when philanthropists think big and act with urgency. At a time when global challenges demand unprecedented scale, we’re proving that strategic giving – a planned, research-based approach focused on achieving specific goals through carefully selected organisations with measurable impact – can drive real solutions. The future of giving is bold, collaborative, and impact-driven,” Tsitsi said.
Tsitsi and her husband, businessman Strive Masiyiwa, have supported more than 250,000 students through their foundation. Their work has focused on improving access to education and building stronger health systems in underserved communities.
The TIME100 Philanthropy list includes global figures working on issues such as poverty, climate change, and health. TIME said the honorees represent a shift toward more collaborative and results-driven philanthropy.
Tsitsi Masiyiwa’s recognition marks a growing acknowledgment of African leadership in global development and giving.
Link to full list: https://bit.ly/43zII2w
