Clevenard to Honour South African Economic Leader Avuyile Xabadiya at the Clevenard Open Project 2026 – 5th Edition and Clevenard Global Awards – 3rd Edition in Alicante, Spain

Alicante, Spain— Clevenard SL is proud to announce that Avuyile Xabadiya, Chief Executive Officer of the Amathole Development Agency (ASPIRE) and one of South Africa's leading economists, development finance executives, and public policy specialists, will be honoured with the prestigious Clevenard Honorary Award during the Clevenard Global Awards – 3rd Edition 2026, taking place on Sunday, 30 August 2026, at the Palacio de Congresos Alicante, Spain.

The award forms part of the Clevenard Open Project 2026 – 5th Edition, an international four-day flagship event that brings together world leaders, government officials, policymakers, diplomats, investors, entrepreneurs, academics, creatives, and innovators to strengthen global collaboration, promote investment, and celebrate excellence across business, culture, education, tourism, and sustainable development.

A Global Platform to Champion Investment in the Amathole District

In addition to receiving this distinguished international honour, Avuyile Xabadiya will deliver a keynote address on Friday, 28 August 2026 (Day 2) during the Global Economy, Trade, Solid Minerals, Agriculture & Investment Summit.

Keynote Address: "Unlocking Investment Opportunities in the Amathole District: Building Sustainable Partnerships for Inclusive Economic Growth"

During his keynote, Xabadiya will present a compelling vision for the future of the Amathole District Municipality, showcasing its immense investment potential and inviting global investors, development finance institutions, multinational corporations, policymakers, and strategic partners to become part of the region's economic transformation.

His presentation will highlight opportunities across key sectors, including:

• Agriculture and agro-processing
• Manufacturing and industrial development
• Renewable energy and the green economy
• Tourism and the ocean economy
• Infrastructure and logistics
• Small business and entrepreneurship
• Skills development and youth empowerment
• Public-private partnerships
• Sustainable local economic development

The keynote will demonstrate how strategic investment can unlock new industries, create employment, strengthen local businesses, stimulate innovation, and improve the quality of life for communities throughout the Amathole District.

As Chief Executive Officer of ASPIRE, Xabadiya is committed to positioning the Amathole District as one of South Africa's leading destinations for responsible and sustainable investment, creating lasting value for investors while delivering meaningful socio-economic impact for local communities.

An Internationally Respected Economic Leader

Since his appointment as Chief Executive Officer of the Amathole Development Agency (ASPIRE) in July 2024, Xabadiya has led initiatives aimed at accelerating inclusive economic growth, attracting investment, promoting entrepreneurship, strengthening institutional sustainability, and mobilising resources for long-term regional development.

His leadership extends beyond local government through his service on the boards of the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA), the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), and as a Founding Board Member of the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEDFA), where he contributes to strengthening South Africa's development finance ecosystem and supporting enterprise growth.

Previously, he served as Chief Economist at South Africa's Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, where he contributed to national policy development, including the Exploration Strategy, the Upstream Petroleum Resources Bill, and the Oceans Economy Master Planning Process.

His distinguished career also includes leadership and advisory roles within Impala Platinum, The Beijing Axis (China), the University of Fort Hare, the Agricultural Research Council, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and the National Research Foundation, reflecting extensive expertise in economics, development finance, agriculture, mining, international trade, investment promotion, and public policy.

Academic Excellence

An accomplished academic, Xabadiya graduated Cum Laude at every level of his university education.

His qualifications include:

• Master of Commerce in Economics and Agriculture (Cum Laude), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
• BSc Honours in Agricultural Economics (Cum Laude), University of Fort Hare
• BSc Economics (Cum Laude), University of Fort Hare

His postgraduate studies in China were supported through a prestigious scholarship awarded by the China Scholarship Council in partnership with South Africa's Department of Higher Education and Training, further strengthening his international outlook on trade, investment, and economic cooperation.

Recognised Thought Leader

Widely respected as an economist, researcher, and public policy commentator, Xabadiya has published extensively on economic development, agriculture, energy security, investment, rural development, international trade, poverty reduction, and sustainable growth.

His work has appeared in leading publications including Daily Maverick, Business Live, News24, City Press, Farmer's Weekly, ANC Today, and international academic journals, contributing to important policy discussions both within South Africa and internationally.

Why Clevenard Is Honouring Avuyile Xabadiya

The Clevenard Honorary Award recognises exceptional leaders whose work creates meaningful and lasting impact beyond their own communities.

Avuyile Xabadiya exemplifies visionary leadership through his unwavering commitment to inclusive economic development, responsible governance, enterprise development, investment promotion, and sustainable transformation.

His work continues to inspire collaboration between government, business, development institutions, and communities, making him an outstanding recipient of this prestigious international recognition.

By honouring Avuyile Xabadiya, Clevenard celebrates not only his remarkable professional achievements but also his commitment to creating opportunities that improve lives, strengthen economies, and build prosperous communities for future generations.

A Call to Global Investors

Clevenard warmly invites international investors, development finance institutions, chambers of commerce, business leaders, policymakers, diplomatic missions, and development partners to attend this landmark summit and engage directly with one of Africa's leading economic development practitioners.

The keynote address presents a unique opportunity to discover why the Amathole District Municipality is emerging as a strategic destination for investment in agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics, and enterprise development.

Together, we can build partnerships that unlock opportunity, drive inclusive economic growth, and create sustainable prosperity for communities across South Africa and the African continent.

About the Clevenard Open Project 2026

Held under the theme:

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

The Clevenard Open Project 2026 – 5th Edition is a premier international platform that connects leaders from Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, and the wider global community to foster collaboration, innovation, investment, trade, tourism, education, and cultural exchange.

Programme Highlights

• Day 1 – Thursday, 27 August 2026

Global Authors' Recognition & Education Summit

• Day 2 – Friday, 28 August 2026

Global Economy, Trade, Solid Minerals, Agriculture & Investment Summit

• Day 3 – Saturday, 29 August 2026

Global Tourism & International Film Celebration

• Day 4 – Sunday, 30 August 2026

Clevenard Global Awards – 3rd Edition 2026

International Fashion Runway

Event Details

• Dates: 27–30 August 2026
• Venue: Palacio de Congresos Alicante Avinguda de Dénia 47–49 03013 Alicante, Spain

Media & General Enquiries

Clevenard SL

• Phone: +34 631 279 811
• Phone: +34 672 93 12 16
• Website: www.clevenard.com
• NIF: B75809574

About Clevenard

Clevenard is a global platform dedicated to connecting people, cultures, businesses, and opportunities through media, technology, international events, and strategic partnerships.

By creating platforms where ideas become partnerships and partnerships become investment opportunities, Clevenard continues to build bridges between continents while promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, sustainable development, cultural exchange, and inclusive economic growth.

Mission: Connecting the world, amplifying voices, and creating opportunities that transform lives.

Category:

Press release 

Oganisation:

Clevenard

Writer:

Tolu Osindero

Phone:

+34 672 93 12 16