Netflix has appointed Zimbabwean billionaire and philanthropist Strive Masiyiwa to its board of directors. The appointment has come at a time when the company is looking to expand its African market. Strive is the first African on the board of an entertainment company. The streaming giant has more than 190 million subscribers mainly in the US and Europe. It is seeking to grow its customers in Africa and Asia where the subscription levels are relatively low. Netflix unveiled cheaper streaming services for mobile-only subscribers.
Strive Masiyiwa is one of the richest persons in Africa and has valuable experience in telecommunication and broadband services in Africa and beyond. He is the founder of the telecommunication giant Econet Global with operations in Africa, Europe, Asia, and Central America.
“We are delighted to welcome Strive to the Netflix board,” said Netflix Chairman and co-chief executive officer Reed Hastings. The company will benefit from Strive’s knowledge of the African continent and his entrepreneurial skills.