Naspers division Media24 has merged its digital arm with MWeb Studios, the division responsible for the development of web-based services, to create the continent’s biggest online business, 24.com.
Headed up by CEO Kim Reid, 24.com is the result of a Naspers drive to fuse complimentary digital properties into a consolidated and unsurpassable destination on the internet for consumers. The new property will capture 60% of the local online audience.
The joint venture forms part of Naspers’s long-term growth strategy to ensure sustainable development across its print, television and online communication platforms. 24.com aims to dominate the digital arena in Africa by offering visitors the best online content and services.
A team of more than 300 experts will be dedicated to delivering this web experience, the group said this week.
In addition to carrying content from the existing 24.com niche interest sites, the portal will boast a smorgasbord of new tools and services, including locally relevant web-search technology, free web-based e-mail, instant messaging, photo albums, blogs, other social networking tools and online shopping powered by Kalahari.net.
24.com also has a shareholding in the Mail & Guardian Online. — I-Net Bridge