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Business Editor—
CNN’s Fortune magazine has ranked local telecommunications tycoon and Econet Wireless founder Strive Masiyiwa among the top 50 greatest world leaders. On top of the list is Pope Francis, leader of 1,2 billion Roman Catholics around the world, followed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Ford Motor chief executive officer Alan Mulally is third with Berkshire Hathaway boss Warren Buffet fourth and former United States president Bill Clinton fifth for the contribution of his foundation.
The list released last week was compiled in consultation with leadership experts, Fortune reporters and the selection was limited to active leaders.
The magazine said for close to two decades Masiyiwa fought and won a key court battle to open the country’s telecom industry to private investment.
Masiyiwa, 35th on the list and who sits on the Africa Progress Panel as well as the boards of Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa and the Rockefeller Foundation, was described by the magazine as a persuasive advocate for development opportunities and the creation of strong government institutions.
“He is truly one of Africa’s most influential figures, with his good counsel sought by world leaders and CEOs,” says Rockefeller Foundation president Judith Rodin, who calls him “a champion for the power of technology to improve the lives of millions.”
Others on the list include Apple CEO Tim Cook who took over from the late Steve Jobs.
In 2½ years Cook has kept the parade of winning new products marching (the Retina display, new operating systems, the iPhone 5).
Advocate for education rights Malala Yousafzai was 34th on the list. Malala Yousafzai first stood up to the Taliban when she was 11.
A fierce and outspoken defender of a female’s right to education, the Swat Valley schoolgirl was shot by them four years later aboard her school bus. The senseless act stunned the world, just as her recovery and continued activism – despite more death threats – have drawn many to her cause. Bede Sheppard of Human Rights Watch calls Malala a “radiant example that children can be intelligent and savvy advocates for their own rights.”
You Tube CEO Susan Wojcicki was adjudged 42nd on the list.
Online Reporter