How Bruce Dube Built A Digital Publishing Business That Reaches Millions Of African Youth Every Month
Bruce Dube, the Managing Director of Nine80 Digital, is a prominent figure in the African digital publishing industry. His company owns numerous digital media platforms ranging from youth portals, eCommerce sites, reference sites, classifieds platforms, gaming sites, video platforms, online magazines, and more in countries such as South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe.
Some of the biggest youth platforms that Mr. Dube owns include Youth Village, SA Hip Hop Mag, StartUp Mag, DISKI365, Kasi Lyrics, The Yanos, and more. These platforms cater to the diverse interests of African youth and have gained a large following due to their engaging and relevant content.
Mr. Dube’s success in the industry has not gone unnoticed, as he has been recognized and awarded numerous times for his achievements. In 2013, he was selected by UNAIDS as one of the country’s “Young Movers and Shakers.” He was also chosen as one of the top 5 prominent young people in Africa and Latin America by the World Bank in March of the same year.
In November 2013, Mr. Dube was selected as one of the Emerging Leaders and speakers chosen globally to attend the German Marshall Fund of the United State’s Emerging Leaders Summit in Morocco. In January 2014, he was nominated and selected for DHL’s Tomorrow’s Leaders Program, which aims to identify and nurture young talent in Africa.
In July 2014, Mr. Dube was listed as one of the Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young People in SA, and in June 2015, he was listed as one of SA’s Top 100 Young Bosses by The Sowetan. In November 2015, he was nominated for the 2015 Africa Youth Award for MEDIA EXCELLENCE.
Mr. Dube’s accomplishments continued in 2016, when he was listed on Brand South Africa’s Top 40 Under 40 Young People in SA List. In 2017, he was recognized by The Financial Mail as one of SA’s Top Young Black Execs and featured in their yearly ‘Black Book.’
In 2020, Mr. Dube was nominated by Africa Youth Awards as its African Youth Entrepreneur, highlighting his success as a business leader in Africa. In 2022, he was selected as one of the Sunday World’s Unsung Heroes, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities.
Furthermore, Mr. Dube was chosen as News24’s Young Mandelas in July 2022, a prestigious recognition that highlights young South Africans who are making a significant impact in their communities and industries.
