Econet introduces Zimbabwean scholarship fund

Econet, Zimbabwe’s largest mobile service network provider, has established a pan-African scholarship fund for academically gifted Zimbabweans to pursue high tertiary studies.

The Joshua Nkomo Scholarship Fund (JNSF), named after one of the Southern African country’s founding fathers, has been created to support education at local secondary schools and universities.

Econet founder, Strive Masiyiwa, said the initiative was in honour of the late former vice president. Joshua Nkomo was also instrumental in supporting the creation of Econet.

Says Mr Masiyiwa: “I would have wanted to honour him even if he had not spoken out in support of us. This was a great man and we want future generations of leaders in Africa to remember his contribution,”

The fund will be autonomous, reporting to a general manager and board of trustees, and it is anticipated that the fund will extend grant beyond Zimbabwe’s borders to other countries where Econet has a presence, in the future.