Masiyiwa promises to bring investors to Malawi

Zimbabwean telecommunications mogul and founder of Econet Wireless, Strive Masiyiwa has vowed to keep his promises made to the newly sworn-in Malawian president Lazarus Chakwera who won the recent historic election rerun.

“It will be like Elijah’s rain,” he said.He revealed this information on his personal blog on Facebook where he was discussing the importance of the use of innovation in times of crisis.

The self-exiled telecommunications mogul who once revealed he wasn’t interested in throwing his hat in the political arena despite his numerous accolades and people’s wishes began by apologizing to his fans whom he promised not to indulge on political issues – but allow him “on this occasion to congratulate the people of Malawi, and the new President of Malawi my [own] brother and friend Pastor Lazarus Chakwera.Strive Masiyiwa and Lazarus Chakwera are said to share friendship with Malawian former president Joyce Banda – whom Masiyiwa calls a sister. The two also have similar theological and pastoral interests. Here is Masiyiwa’s full statement.

As a rule I don’t really like to comment on political developments, because our platform is apolitical. But allow me on this occasion to congratulate the people of Malawi, and the new President of Malawi my [own] brother and friend Pastor Lazarus Chakwera.I have a long history with Malawi and it is a country I enjoy visiting.Under the leadership of Joyce Banda [who I call my Big Sister] I used to “drop in” unannounced with friends.

I once went with Bill and Chelsea Clinton, and we had a beautiful time.When I ran AGRA we invested millions into Malawi’s agriculture,” he said.He added that he had put his business interests on halt during Mutharika’s tenure of office, supposedly because of the sour relationship between Mutharika and Joyce Banda.“I’m going to work very hard for Malawi again…and I will once again begin to “drop-in” and send investors to the country, real investors!I put everything into deep freeze when Peter Mutharika was elected.

As did everyone I know!I’m going to immediately look to connecting Malawi to the OneAfrica network, through Tanzania.” Masiyiwa added.Lazarus Chakwera’s vote to the presidency is indeed a hugely significant “Lazarus” moment for Malawi and brings a much-awaited opportunity for the country – chiefly if the business mogul Strive Masiyiwa stays true to his word and promises.