CLEVENARD TO HONOUR AMB. FIKILE HLATSHWAYO AT THE 2027 CLEVENARD OPEN PROJECT AND GLOBAL AWARDS IN TORREMOLINOS, SPAIN

MÁLAGA, SPAIN — Clevenard SL is proud to announce that Ambassador Fikile Hlatshwayo, a distinguished Pan-African strategist, senior government and executive-level advisor, award-winning author, tourism development advocate and champion of women’s and youth empowerment, will receive a prestigious Honorary Award at the Clevenard Open Project 2027 – 6th Edition and Clevenard Global Awards – 4th Edition, taking place from 22–25 June 2027 at the Palacio de Congresos de Torremolinos in Málaga, Spain.

With more than two decades of senior-level experience spanning government, development finance, private-sector strategy, academia, tourism and Pan-African leadership, Amb. Hlatshwayo has built a distinguished career advancing inclusive economic development, ethical leadership, investment, women’s empowerment and youth participation in Africa’s future.

Her recognition celebrates a professional journey defined by strategic leadership, continental advocacy, economic development, public engagement and a commitment to creating opportunities for communities across Africa and beyond.

The Clevenard Open Project 2027 will bring together influential voices from Africa, Europe, the Caribbean and other regions for a four-day celebration of business, culture, creativity and human connection.

HONOURING A DISTINGUISHED PAN-AFRICAN LEADER

Amb. Hlatshwayo’s Honorary Award will be presented on Friday, 25 June 2027, during the Clevenard Global Awards – 4th Edition, the flagship awards ceremony of the Clevenard Open Project 2027. The celebration will take place alongside an International Fashion Runway and artistic and cultural performances.

The awards recognise individuals whose leadership, professional achievements and contributions make a meaningful difference across industries, institutions and communities.

Amb. Hlatshwayo’s career reflects the power of strategic thinking, public service, economic expertise and people-centred leadership. Her work has connected government institutions, development finance organisations, business leaders, policymakers, investors and community stakeholders, helping advance dialogue on inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Her recognition also highlights her advocacy for Africa-led solutions and her belief that women and young people must be positioned as active participants in economic transformation, investment, tourism and decision-making.

FEATURED SPEAKER AT THE GLOBAL TOURISM & INTERNATIONAL FILM CELEBRATION

As part of her participation in the Clevenard Open Project 2027, Amb. Fikile Hlatshwayo will deliver a featured address on Thursday, 24 June 2027, during the Global Tourism & International Film Celebration.

Her address is expected to draw on her extensive experience in tourism development, international relations, investment strategy, women’s leadership and Africa’s positioning in the global economy.

As a recognised voice in tourism-led development, Amb. Hlatshwayo advocates for tourism as a powerful driver of employment, entrepreneurship, investment, cultural exchange and community advancement. She champions approaches that place women and young people at the centre of tourism value chains while promoting responsible travel, local participation and sustainable economic opportunities.

Her participation will bring an important Pan-African perspective to discussions on how tourism, culture, storytelling and international partnerships can contribute to inclusive growth and strengthen Africa’s global visibility.

FROM GOVERNMENT AND DEVELOPMENT FINANCE TO CONTINENTAL LEADERSHIP

Amb. Hlatshwayo has held senior positions across South Africa’s public sector and development finance landscape, bringing extensive experience in fiscal policy, infrastructure financing, institutional governance, strategic planning and economic development.

Her professional background includes serving as Deputy Director-General in the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Treasury, where her responsibilities encompassed provincial and municipal fiscal policy, budgeting, macroeconomic analysis and infrastructure financing. She also advised senior provincial leadership and represented Treasury in Cabinet, legislative and intergovernmental forums.

At the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), she served in strategic and development finance roles, contributing to organisational strategy, infrastructure funding, stakeholder engagement, institutional restructuring and risk management. Her work supported development initiatives across South Africa and the Southern African Development Community.

Her experience also includes service within South Africa’s National Treasury Development Finance Institutions Unit, where she contributed to policy and institutional reviews concerning governance, funding models and the financial sustainability of development finance institutions.

Earlier in her career, she worked in investment analysis and African economic research, including equity analysis at Allan Gray Limited and research and editorial work associated with the University of Stellenbosch Business School and Africagrowth Agenda.

This broad professional experience gives her a distinctive perspective on the relationship between public policy, private investment, institutional leadership and sustainable economic transformation.

CHAMPIONING AFRICA’S WOMEN AND YOUNG LEADERS

As Founder and President of Africa Rise Youth Indaba NPC (ARYI), Amb. Hlatshwayo leads a Pan-African platform focused on youth leadership, governance, entrepreneurship and economic inclusion.

Through the initiative, she advocates for young Africans to be recognised not simply as beneficiaries of development, but as entrepreneurs, investors, innovators and strategic contributors to the continent’s economic future.

Her work promotes stronger connections between young leaders, policymakers, diplomats, business executives and development partners. It also encourages opportunities for youth participation in tourism, investment, creative industries, entrepreneurship and emerging economic sectors.

Her international engagement extends to the World Leaders Consortium in India, where she serves on the Strategic and Outreach Council, supporting international dialogue, leadership collaboration and stronger Africa–Asia relationships in trade, investment and development.

As Global Ambassador for the Women & Youth portfolio at the Africa Tourism Board, she advocates for ethical and sustainable tourism that expands opportunities for women and young people, strengthens local enterprise and supports inclusive job creation.

She also serves as Global Tourism Chair at the Centre for Global Business Women, advancing women’s participation, leadership and enterprise development across tourism value chains.

Through these roles, Amb. Hlatshwayo continues to champion partnerships that connect African talent and enterprises with international markets, investment opportunities and global leadership networks.

ADVANCING WOMEN’S SAFETY AND COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT

Beyond economic development and tourism, Amb. Hlatshwayo is the Founder and President of the Masibambane Anti-Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Initiative.

The initiative addresses gender-based violence through community engagement, prevention, accountability and practical empowerment. Its approach includes mobilising men as partners in preventing violence, promoting positive masculinity and using sport as a tool for social change.

The initiative also supports self-defence training for women and children, helping promote confidence, personal safety and resilience.

Her work in this area reflects a broader leadership philosophy that links social justice, ethical responsibility, community participation and sustainable development.

AN AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR AND ADVOCATE FOR AFRICAN TOURISM

Amb. Hlatshwayo is also an accomplished author whose publications explore tourism, economic opportunity, African identity and inclusive development.

Her books include Born to Travel – Ultimate Luxury Destinations in Mzansi (2023), which showcases South Africa’s luxury travel destinations and explores tourism’s potential to contribute to local economic development and international destination positioning.

Her earlier book, Blacks Do Caravan (2016), challenges historical stereotypes surrounding travel and encourages broader participation in tourism. Through an accessible and engaging approach, the book promotes the idea that travel belongs to everyone and can help break down social and cultural barriers.

She also contributed to African economic research and publishing through Africagrowth Agenda, which examined investment opportunities, capital markets, trade and development finance. In addition, she was lead author of Export Growth Opportunities in Africa, a business publication examining export potential, trade patterns and opportunities across African countries.

Her work as an author complements her advocacy for tourism, cultural inclusion, entrepreneurship and stronger African representation in global conversations.

A STRONG ACADEMIC FOUNDATION

Amb. Hlatshwayo’s professional achievements are supported by a strong academic background in commerce, statistics, development finance and economic analysis.

She holds a Master’s degree in Development Finance from the University of Stellenbosch Business School, a Bachelor of Commerce Honours degree in Statistics from the University of Cape Town, and a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Statistics.

Her academic achievements include distinctions in Statistics and Econometrics.

She is currently registering for a PhD in Sustainable Tourism at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. Her proposed research focuses on the socioeconomic impact of UNESCO World Heritage Sites on local communities, using Ohlange and Sibhudu Cave in KwaZulu-Natal as case studies.

This developing research interest aligns with her broader commitment to sustainable tourism, heritage preservation, community participation and economic opportunity.

A GLOBAL PLATFORM FOR COLLABORATION AND TRANSFORMATION

The Clevenard Open Project 2027 is a four-day international flagship event themed:

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

The programme will convene global leaders, policymakers, diplomats, investors, entrepreneurs, educators, creatives and cultural representatives to encourage meaningful dialogue, international cooperation and sustainable development.

Amb. Hlatshwayo’s participation reinforces the event’s commitment to recognising influential leaders whose work crosses sectors and borders. Her experience in government, development finance, tourism, women’s empowerment and Pan-African strategy brings valuable insight to the conversations shaping Africa’s role in the global economy.

Through her Honorary Award and featured address, Clevenard will celebrate a leader committed to inclusive development, stronger international partnerships and a future in which African women and young people have meaningful opportunities to lead, innovate and prosper.

EVENT PROGRAMME

• Day 1 — Tuesday, 22 June 2027: Global Authors’ Recognition & Education Summit.
• Day 2 — Wednesday, 23 June 2027: Global Economy, Trade, Solid Minerals, Agriculture & Investment Summit.
• Day 3 — Thursday, 24 June 2027: Global Tourism & International Film Celebration, featuring Amb. Fikile Hlatshwayo as a featured speaker.
• Day 4 — Friday, 25 June 2027: Clevenard Global Awards – 4th Edition, International Fashion Runway, and artistic and cultural performances.

EVENT DETAILS

• Event: Clevenard Open Project 2027 – 6th Edition
• Awards Ceremony: Clevenard Global Awards – 4th Edition
• Dates: 22–25 June 2027
• Venue: Palacio de Congresos de Torremolinos C/ México 3, 29620 Torremolinos, Málaga, Spain
• Organiser: Clevenard SL
• NIF: B75809574
• Website: www.clevenard.com

MEDIA AND CONTACT INFORMATION

For media enquiries, event participation and further information:

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

ABOUT CLEVENARD

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

Clevenard’s mission is to connect the world, amplify voices, and create opportunities that transform lives.

Categoria:

Comunicado de imprensa 

Escrito por:

Tolu Osindero

Telefone:

+34 631 279 811 | +34 672 93 12 16