- By Supratik Das
- Sat, 22 Nov 2025 09:30 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
PM Modi South Africa Visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Koos Bekker, Chairman of global media and technology conglomerate Naspers, on Friday during his three-day visit to South Africa for the G20 Summit 2025. The meeting centred on boosting cooperation in advanced technology, expanding investments in India, and deepening collaboration in Artificial Intelligence (AI), officials said.
Naspers Praises PM Modi’s Vision On AI, Technology
Following the interaction, Bekker praised PM Modi’s “remarkable depth of knowledge” on emerging technologies, particularly AI and its economic potential. “What surprises me about Prime Minister Modi is how well-informed he is. We were talking about Artificial Intelligence and its potential impact on the economy, and he’s really well informed,” Bekker told ANI. He added that the two sides also discussed India-linked investments and an upcoming global AI conference in February.
Naspers Group CEO Fabricio Bloisi, who was also part of the meeting, reaffirmed the company’s strong long-term commitment to India. He noted that the group has already invested nearly Rs 80,000 crore in India and intends to double this investment in the coming years.
In Johannesburg, interacted with Naspers Chairman Mr. Koos Bekker and Group CEO Mr. Fabricio Bloisi. Deepening investment linkages featured prominently in the discussions. It is commendable how Naspers is actively working with our talented youth across diverse sectors. pic.twitter.com/4J6G7ZoMlC
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 21, 2025
Calling his interaction with PM Modi “amazing,” Bloisi said India’s growth in digital innovation has become a reference point for the world. “Under his leadership, the use of technology in India has been a reference for the world… We think Naspers and Prosus can learn from India but also contribute to startup ideas to make India a benchmark in AI globally,” he said.
PM Modi Interacts With Indian-Origin Tech Entrepreneurs
Earlier in the day, PM Modi held a detailed interaction with Indian-origin tech entrepreneurs based in Johannesburg. He encouraged them to strengthen their engagement with India and highlighted the government’s push for innovation across sectors ranging from FinTech to agritech. “Had a fruitful interaction with Indian-origin tech entrepreneurs in Johannesburg… Called upon them to deepen their engagement with India and work closely with our people,” the Prime Minister wrote on X.
Jatin Bhatia, founder of the travel-focused social media platform Explurger, said the Prime Minister engaged with the group like a fellow tech innovator. “He was asking us questions about technology. It didn’t feel like we were speaking to the head of a state. His suggestions were those of a visionary,” he said, adding that his app now connects more than two crore users across 75 countries.
Had a fruitful interaction with Indian origin tech entrepreneurs in Johannesburg. They talked about the work they are doing in sectors such as FinTech, social media platforms, agriculture, education, healthcare, medical devices and more. Called upon them to deepen their… pic.twitter.com/gRqwIxxxfC
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 21, 2025
India At G20 Summit In Africa
PM Modi is visiting South Africa from November 21 to 23 to participate in the G20 Summit 2025, marking the first time the G20 has met on the African continent.
He is expected to underscore India’s priorities, the concerns of the Global South, and avenues for deeper multilateral cooperation. This is PM Modi’s fourth visit to South Africa after his 2016 bilateral visit and attendance at BRICS summits in 2018 and 2023.
With inputs from agency.