Davos 2023: Naspers SA advancing home ground goals

Naspers, the South African arm of one of the largest technology investors in the world, is once again taking part in the prestigious Davos meetings in Switzerland. The World Economic Forum is not just a platform for global engagement for Naspers but also an opportunity to focus on advancing goals related to their home base in South Africa. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, South Africa CEO of Naspers, shared insights on the company's objectives and strategies for the future. The key theme of the conversation revolved around cooperation in a fragmented world and the urgency of digitization amidst global uncertainties. One of the central points Mahanyele-Dabengwa highlighted was the importance of engaging with regulators from various countries where Naspers operates. With a presence in over a hundred markets globally, the company sees the World Economic Forum as an invaluable platform for such interactions. However, the CEO emphasized that despite Naspers being a global player, their roots are deeply anchored in South Africa, where the company has its origins. Mahanyele-Dabengwa stressed the significance of engaging with South African business counterparts to promote mutual growth and development. In addressing concerns about South Africa's energy crisis, Mahanyele-Dabengwa acknowledged the challenges faced by the country but also pointed out that this issue is not unique to South Africa alone. She underlined the company's commitment to sustain investor interest in the region by focusing on profitability and carefully selecting investment opportunities. Despite potential global economic slowdowns and recession risks, Mahanyele-Dabengwa expressed confidence in Naspers' ability to navigate challenges given its experience in operating in diverse and challenging environments. Mahanyele-Dabengwa highlighted Naspers' commitment to sustainability and its alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The company places emphasis on creating value in a responsible and sustainable manner, considering not only financial returns but also the societal impact of its investments. The CEO noted the significance of digitization in enabling access to markets, education, and essential services, especially in underprivileged communities. A key area of focus for Naspers is nurturing entrepreneurship and supporting startups in Africa. The company has invested significantly in initiatives like the SME fund and the Naspers Foundry to foster early-stage businesses. Mahanyele-Dabengwa commended the increase in capital raised for African startups, signaling a positive trend in supporting the growth and expansion of these enterprises. With a keen interest in driving entrepreneurship and innovation, Naspers remains committed to playing a pivotal role in the African startup ecosystem. As Naspers continues its journey at Davos 2023, the company's dedication to advancing home ground goals in South Africa and fostering global cooperation stands out as a testament to its enduring commitment to driving positive change in the technology and investment landscape.