One of Africa’s biggest and most valuable companies, Naspers, has announced the appointment of a female Chief Executive Officer, the first in the history of the company.
The multinational company based in South Africa appointed Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, as the first black and female CEO to continue to lead its operation in South Africa.
This came after several years of appointing white male CEOs who led the company throughout its 104 years of existence. As the new CEO, Mahanyele-Dabengwa is expected to champion the daily business activities of the company as well as manage its long-held desire to make successful tech investment bets in Africa.
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The 48-year-old Dabengwa in a statement, shared how thrilled she is about her new role. She said, “I am thrilled to be joining Naspers at such a pivotal time for the group and for South Africa, and look forward to adding value to the group in realising its strategy in South Africa.”
About Naspers: Naspers is a multinational internet and media group which has its headquarters in South Africa. The company offers its services in over 130 countries, focusing on services such as internet communication, entertainment, gaming, and e-commerce. It was founded in 1915 in South Africa by Jannie Marais of Coetsenburg and W.A. Hofmeyr with the support of Jan Christiaan Smuts, Louis Botha, and National Party founding president, J.B.M. Hertzog.
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Net worth in the market: According to reports, Naspers’ investment pedigree worth a staggering $32 million investment in Chinese internet giant, Tencent in 2011 for a stake which is now valued at over $100 billion. The company has struggled with making the right bets on tech companies in Africa. It has however made significant venture investments in India in recent years and has committed to investing up to $1 billion there this year.
One of the major roles Mahanyele-Dabengwa is expected to play is to lead Naspers’ drive for major African tech startup wins with a $314 million fund announced last October.
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