BhasweLihle Zilwa Will Be Speaking at the 2026 Clevenard Open Project in Alicante, Spain

Alicante, Spain — Clevenard SL is proud to announce that BhasweLihle Zilwa, an 18-year-old South African youth empowerment leader, author, innovator and founder, will be a featured speaker at the Clevenard Open Project 2026 – 5th Edition and Clevenard Global Awards – 3rd Edition, taking place from 27–30 August 2026 at the Palacio de Congresos in Alicante, Spain.

Representing a powerful new generation of African voices, BhasweLihle Zilwa—widely known as Lihle—will deliver a keynote address during the international forum under the theme:

“From Self-Belief to Impact: How Teenagers Can Turn Their Dreams into Action”

Her keynote will challenge young people, educators, parents, leaders and stakeholders to rethink what is possible when teenagers are equipped with self-belief, purpose, discipline and the courage to take action.

At just 18 years old, Lihle is on a mission to motivate and inspire 100,000 teenagers, not only in South Africa but across the African continent. Her message is simple but powerful: young people do not have to wait until they are older to make a meaningful difference.

A Young Leader with a Remarkable Track Record

Lihle’s journey of service and youth empowerment began at the age of nine, when she initiated her first community project, benefiting 594 learners.

In 2021, at just 13 years old, she founded the Future Global Leaders Club NPC, a not-for-profit organisation open to high school learners achieving a 70% or higher academic average.

The organisation was established to:

• Motivate learners to become consistently excellent in their academic performance;
• Inspire young people to pursue greatness;
• Sharpen excellence, leadership and personal development; and
• Recognise, reward and incentivise academic achievement.

The impact of the initiative has extended beyond academic performance, with members—including learners who went on to become Top 1% academic achievers—attributing part of their success to the motivation and inspiration they received through the Future Global Leaders Club.

Turning Words into a Movement

In 2022, at the age of 14, Lihle authored and published “Lihle’s Collection of Motivational Quotes for Teens,” featuring more than 300 motivational and inspirational quotes, together with her guide to navigating success.

The book was created specifically to speak to teenagers in a language they could relate to and understand. Its central purpose is to help young people clarify their “WHY”, enabling them to discover their “HOW” and move from intention to action.

The book has since expanded its international reach and is available in English, French and Kiswahili. In a further commitment to inclusion, it is also available in Braille, ensuring that young people with different abilities can access its message of motivation and possibility.

From Recognition to Responsibility

Lihle’s growing impact earned her two major African continental honours in 2025.

At the age of 17, she was named:

• 2025 Youth Empowerment Champion of the Year – African Continent
• 2025 Overall NextGen Innovator of the Year

Rather than viewing these achievements simply as personal accolades, Lihle recognised them as a responsibility and a call to serve.

After being admitted to Wits University as part of the Class of 2025 to pursue a degree in Biomedical Sciences, with the long-term ambition of becoming a Biomedical Scientist, she made the bold decision to temporarily pause her studies while she remains closely connected and relatable to teenagers.

She has dedicated her 18th year to a larger purpose:

“Inject Self-Belief and Ignite 100,000 Teenagers’ Dreams into Action.”

The Lihle’s 100k Teens Challenge

This commitment has led to the creation of Lihle’s 100kTeensChallenge, a youth empowerment movement with a mission to inject self-belief and ignite the dreams of 100,000 teenagers across Africa.

Her motivational and inspirational messages on social media have already generated more than 120,000 views, demonstrating the growing appetite among young people for authentic, relatable voices that understand their challenges and believe in their potential.

Lihle has also launched her inaugural Teens Self-Belief Conference in Mthatha, South Africa, followed by her first Teens Self-Belief & Success 7km Commitment Walk.

The initiative is designed to grow beyond one community. More Teens Self-Belief Conferences and 7km Commitment Walks are planned across South Africa and, ultimately, throughout the African continent.

A Message for a Generation

At the Clevenard Open Project 2026, Lihle will bring this movement to an international stage.

Her keynote will explore the critical role that self-belief, purpose, academic excellence, consistency, leadership and action play in shaping the future of young people.

Her appearance is expected to resonate particularly strongly with young people and the educators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, organisations and community leaders working to build Africa’s next generation of changemakers.

Her message will extend beyond motivation.

It will be a call to action:

Believe in yourself. Discover your purpose. Dream boldly. Take action. Stay consistent. And use your success to create opportunities for others.

About the Clevenard Open Project 2026

The Clevenard Open Project 2026, now in its 5th Edition, 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, entrepreneurs and changemakers from Africa, Europe and the Caribbean to foster dialogue, collaboration, investment, cultural exchange and sustainable development.

Event Programme

• Day 1 – 27 August 2026

Global Authors’ Recognition & Education Summit

• Day 2 – 28 August 2026

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

• Day 3 – 29 August 2026

Global Tourism & International Film Celebration

• Day 4 – 30 August 2026

Clevenard Global Awards – 3rd Edition 2026 & International Fashion Runway

Dates: 27–30 August 2026

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

Media & Contact

• Phone: +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 across the world.

Through media, technology, international events and strategic partnerships, Clevenard amplifies voices, builds bridges and contributes to cultural and economic development across continents.

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

Category:

Press release 

Writer:

Tolu Osindero