Clevenard to Honour Ms. Paulina Mbala Elago at the 2026 Clevenard Open Project & Clevenard Global Awards in Alicante, Spain

Alicante, Spain — Clevenard SL is delighted to announce that Ms. Paulina Mbala Elago, International Trade & Development Leader and Former Executive Secretary of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), will be honoured with a prestigious Honorary Award at the Clevenard Open Project 2026 – 5th Edition and the Clevenard Global Awards – 3rd Edition, taking place from 27–30 August 2026 at the Palacio de Congresos, Alicante, Spain.

This distinguished recognition will be officially presented on Day 4 — Sunday, 30 August 2026, during the highly anticipated Clevenard Global Award 2026, the flagship ceremony of the Clevenard Open Project. The awards celebrate extraordinary leaders whose global contributions continue to shape policy, inspire progress, and influence future generations.

As part of her participation, Ms. Elago will deliver a major keynote address on Day 2 (28 August) during the Global Economy, Trade, Solid Minerals, Agriculture & Investment Summit. Her keynote, titled:

“Regional Integration, Trade Policy, and Sustainable Development in a Changing Global Economy”

will offer deep insights into regional trade dynamics, inclusive growth, and strategic development models for Africa and the global South.

About Ms. Paulina Mbala Elago

Paulina M. Elago is a distinguished and accomplished leader in international trade and development, with over three decades of high-impact service across public institutions, regional economic communities, multilateral agencies, and technical cooperation programmes. She previously served as the Executive Secretary of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), one of the world’s oldest customs unions, where she led complex regional trade negotiations, spearheaded institutional transformation, and advanced policy frameworks across Southern and East Africa and the Commonwealth.

Her leadership has shaped transformative agendas in regional integration, trade facilitation, industrialisation, investment promotion, and trade-related infrastructure development. A seasoned development practitioner, Ms. Elago has successfully managed multi-million-dollar, multi-country trade and development programmes, achieving measurable outcomes that strengthened market access, reduced the cost of cross-border trade, and elevated competitiveness within regional and global value chains.

She has championed institutional reforms, digital transformation, capacity building, and long-term governance strategies aimed at supporting sustainable development and economic resilience. Today, she continues to influence continental and global policy through her service on Boards of Directors and in strategic advisory roles, supporting organizations to enhance sustainability, operational efficiency, and inclusive institutional growth.

Ms. Elago is based in Windhoek, Namibia.

About the Clevenard Open Project 2026

The Clevenard Open Project 2026 is a four-day international flagship forum themed:

“A Global Celebration of Business, Culture, Creativity & Human Connection.”

The event brings together global leaders, policymakers, diplomats, creatives, investors, and entrepreneurs from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean to foster collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development through dialogue, exhibitions, and cultural showcases.

Event Highlights (27–30 August 2026):

• Day 1: Global Authors’ Recognition & Education Summit
• Day 2: Global Economy, Trade, Solid Minerals, Agriculture & Investment Summit
• Day 3: Global Tourism & International Film Celebration
• Day 4: Clevenard Global Award – 3rd Edition 2026 & International Fashion Runway

Venue: Palacio de Congresos Alicante, Avinguda de Dénia 47–49, 03013 Alicante, Spain

• Enquiries: +34 631 279 811 | +34 672 93 12 16
• Website: www.clevenard.com
• Organiser: Clevenard SL | NIF: B75809574

About Clevenard

Clevenard is a global platform dedicated to connecting people, cultures, businesses, and opportunities worldwide. Through media, digital innovation, global events, and strategic partnerships, Clevenard amplifies voices, builds cultural bridges, and drives economic and social development across continents.

Mission: To connect the world, amplify voices, and create opportunities that transform lives.

Category:

Press release 

Oganisation:

Clevenard

Writer:

Tolu Osindero

Phone:

+34631279811