Technology tycoon Koos Bekker says advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are a game-changer for Naspers, with the technology having become an “indispensable” tool in the group as it strives to improve efficiencies.
Naspers, alongside its sister group Prosus, has been rapidly deploying AI across its operations, which stretch from Europe to Asia.
Bekker, who chairs Naspers, said in his yearly letter to shareholders published on Monday that AI was revolutionising business processes.
“Tech innovation comes in small and big packages. The phenomenon we loosely call AI seems to be a massive breakthrough, comparable to the invention of the steam engine. If correct, that will transform the entire economy,” Bekker said.
The technology major in its 2025 annual report listed several successes it has scored by deploying AI across its geographies.
The group said it delivered 30-million orders using 25-million AI-generated “most efficient” routes per month, bringing down the cost to deliver by 16% in the year ended March.
In terms of fraud prevention, Naspers said AI was responsible for 60% of all payment decisions, with 97% approval rate.
The company said more than 20,000 of its employees are using Toqan, the Prosus AI assistant, daily — averaging an 11% productivity gain.
Tech innovation comes in small and big packages. The phenomenon we loosely call AI seems to be a massive breakthrough, comparable to the invention of the steam engine. If correct, that will transform the entire economy.
AI has become key in the group’s stated ambition as a leading lifestyle ecommerce company in Latin America, Europe, India and SA.
Big tech companies such as Tencent, Google, Meta and Microsoft act as ecosystems, offering various connected services through apps. These companies use advanced technology to make the most of the huge amounts of data their services collect.
Tencent remains Naspers’ single largest investment. Naspers said AI played a key role by speeding up and scaling how data was processed and tailored for each customer, doing this billions of times for billions of users
In SA, the group has begun deploying AI in its e-commerce business, Takealot, with the group saying the technology will drive efficiency by creating AI workforces.
Takealots’ operations are already hugely influenced by AI through intelligent stock positioning, advanced demand forecasting and fraud monitoring.
“These implementations will enhance core infrastructure and create competitive advantages. Furthermore, we are empowering an AI-first workforce by using Toqan, leading GenAI tech,” it said.
Naspers and Prosus CEO Fabricio Bloisi told shareholders that AI would “rewrite the winning countries and companies,” and that in order to thrive in an uncertain world, businesses need to adapt to prosper.
“We believe this time of fast change offers opportunities to invest in transformative businesses, particularly in AI. We aim to keep growing fast, create competitive advantage through innovation, and increase our profitability,” Bloisi said.
“This will create long-term value for our shareholders. After almost a year as CEO, I am very excited about our future. We are focused on creating another $100bn in value and I believe we are making real progress.”
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.