Renowned Zimbabwean billionaire and Econet founder Strive Masiyiwa has issued a timely caution to aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs: beware of seeking premature publicity.
In a reflective message shared on his social media platforms, Masiyiwa drew a sharp contrast between political publicity and business strategy, urging entrepreneurs to remain discreet and calculated about going public with developments in their ventures.
“There’s an old African saying that goes, ‘Don’t clap your hands in the forest or you might wake a sleeping lion that will end up eating you,’” wrote Masiyiwa. “Publicity (PR) in business is a double-edged sword.”
The telecoms mogul, known for his measured approach and mentorship to Africa’s next generation of entrepreneurs, warned that competitors are always watching and that speaking too early about plans could give rivals the edge.
“Entrepreneurs who behave like public office-seeking politicians usually end up not doing anything of substance,” he cautioned.
Masiyiwa emphasized the need for strategic timing, stating that public announcements should only be made when the business has a clear, unshakable head start.
He contrasted small and medium enterprises with global giants like Tesla or Apple, which may pre-announce products years in advance to intimidate the competition.
“Most of us are not Tesla or Apple… we face competitors that have the ability to quickly occupy the space we just announced,” he said.
