Celebrating the ingenuity of Indian entrepreneurs as among the finest globally, a prominent CEO of a South African multinational corporation extolled the shared journey of India and South Africa in embracing digital transformation and leveraging technology’s transformative power.

Phuti Mahanyele, the CEO of Naspers South Africa, a prominent global technology investment group with significant interests in India, delivered these remarks at a recent event. This event, held on International Women’s Day, was a collaborative effort by the Consulate General of India, the India Business Forum, and the Johannesburg Indian Women’s Association, highlighting the achievements of ten remarkable women across diverse fields.

Mahanyele commended Indian entrepreneurs for their remarkable prowess in product development at scale and value creation. Reflecting on her visit to Delhi last November, she noted the discernible emphasis on inclusion and development within India’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Underlining the historical ties between India and South Africa, Mahanyele expressed Naspers’ satisfaction in fostering this connection through its investments in India. Recognizing India’s status as a key focus area for technological innovation, she emphasized Naspers’ substantial investment in the country’s burgeoning tech sector.

Mahanyele emphasized the pivotal role of technology in driving efficiency and fostering new business opportunities across both nations’ economies. However, she also sounded a note of caution, stressing the importance of ensuring that technological advancement and digital transformation are inclusive and do not marginalize women.

Acknowledging the pervasive issue of gender-based violence in both India and South Africa, Mahanyele highlighted the proactive efforts of leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Cyril Ramaphosa in tackling this challenge effectively.

Mahanyele’s remarks underscore the shared commitment of India and South Africa to harnessing technology for inclusive growth and sustainable development, while also addressing societal challenges such as gender-based violence.