Zimbabwe's Wealthiest Man, Strive Masiyiwa Leases USD $40,000-A-Month Luxury Apartment In New York City

Zimbabwe’s wealthiest man and one of Forbes’ Africa’s richest, Strive Masiyiwa, has leased a USD $40,000-a-month luxury apartment in New York City.

According to the New York Post, Masiyiwa, founder and chairman of Econet Wireless a global telecommunications conglomerate which started in Zimbabwe, has just moved into a five bedroom luxurious unit at Manhattan’s 737 Park Ave. Masiyiwa’s 12th-floor rental features five bedrooms, 7½-bathrooms, a windowed chef’s kitchen, a master suite with a windowed dressing area and two spa bathrooms. The 4,850 square-feet luxury apartment was originally asking for USD $49,500 a month and was purchased by a private individual who is now leasing it out to Masiyiwa. This is a prudent move as Masiyiwa’s eldest daughters are now attending university in the United States. Additionally, Masiyiwa sits on the Board of trustees for the New York City-based Rockefeller Foundation, which brings him to the city frequently.

Strive Masiyiwa, founder & Chairman, Econet Wireless Group

Developed by leading New York City real estate developer and investor Harry Macklowe, Masiyiwa would have to pay approximately USD $25 million to own the property. Built in 1940 by notable architect Sylvan Bien, according to Macklowe Properties website, the 737 Park Ave has been transformed into a glamorous contemporary condominium residence that offers approximately 60 luxurious private residences, many with private elevator landings and separate service entrances.

Masiyiwa’s New York City apartment is along Manhattan’s premier residential corridor, on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, one of the most affluent neighborhoods and home to the world’s most wealthy, powerful and influential families and individuals. Nigeria’s richest woman and billionaire, Folorunso Alakija maintains a luxury apartment on the Upper East Side. With Central Park in close proximity and access to some of the most famous museums in the world, diplomatic missions, great dining and high-end stores, the Upper East Side is favored by old, new and international money.

737 Park Avenue, Manhattan

With a Forbes net worth estimate of USD $600-plus million, Masiyiwa sits at the helm of the second largest company by market capitalization in Zimbabwe,Econet Wireless which now operates in 15 countries across Africa, Europe, South America and the East Asia Pacific Rim. His next great and ambitious project is  Liquid Telecom, which has built Africa’s largest fiber optic cable network  currently stretching across Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The leading independent data, voice and IP provider in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, Liquid Telecom supplies fiber optic, satellite and international carrier services to mobile networks, ISPs and businesses as well as individuals. A very generous philanthropist, Masiyiwa and his wife Tsitsi run the Higher Life Foundation which provides scholarships to orphans, including those whose parents have died of AIDS.

A celebrated and respected entrepreneur, Masiyiwa who now is based in London, England, says his Econet group is “one of a small, but rapidly growing number of global companies from Africa that are at the forefront of ensuring that the voice of African business is heard at major international gatherings.

“The company not only participates in such events, but has also actively sponsored, hosted, and supported meetings and dialogues, to promote better understanding concerning African economic issues, as well as social development issues, health and the environment.