- The princess is scheduled to receive the Clevenard Honorary Award on August 30, during the Clevenard Global Awards 3rd Edition
BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE – Eswatini is set to reap significant diplomatic, economic and cultural benefits as Her Royal Highness Princess Sikhanyiso Dlamini takes centre stage at the prestigious Clevenard Open Project 2026 in Alicante, Spain, where she will deliver a landmark lecture on building a global creative economy.
The princess, who serves as Director of Economic Affairs, will headline two major international programmes during the four-day event scheduled for August 27 to 30, 2026, at the Palacio de Congresos in Alicante.
Her participation is expected to provide an invaluable platform to showcase Eswatini as a country that is embracing innovation, cultural diplomacy and sustainable economic development through its creative industries.
On August 28, Princess Sikhanyiso will headline the Global Economy Summit before taking centre stage at the Global Tourism and International Film Celebration on August 29, where she will deliver her landmark lecture titled, “Building a Global Creative Economy: Lessons from Five Decades in African Film, Theatre and Television.”
The lecture is expected to highlight the immense opportunities within Africa’s creative economy and demonstrate how culture and creativity can serve as powerful tools for economic transformation. By sharing lessons drawn from Africa’s rich artistic heritage and contemporary creative industries, the princess is poised to position Eswatini as an emerging player in conversations surrounding global creative economies.
Her address is also anticipated to advance Eswatini’s tourism agenda by promoting the Kingdom’s cultural heritage to an international audience comprising policymakers, investors, business leaders, tourism stakeholders and creative industry professionals from across the world.
Industry observers note that global interest in Africa’s creative industries continues to grow, with sectors such as film, music, fashion, theatre and cultural tourism increasingly contributing to economic growth and job creation. Princess Sikhanyiso’s participation therefore presents an opportunity for Eswatini to showcase its own untapped creative and tourism potential.
The engagement is expected to strengthen cultural diplomacy efforts by fostering international partnerships that could benefit local artists, filmmakers, entrepreneurs and young innovators. It also creates a platform for promoting investment opportunities in Eswatini’s tourism and cultural sectors while reinforcing the country’s commitment to empowering youth and women through economic participation.
Princess Sikhanyiso’s global profile as a royal leader and advocate for economic development is likely to further elevate Eswatini’s visibility among international stakeholders seeking partnerships with African nations that are leveraging culture and creativity as drivers of sustainable development.
Her presence at the summit comes at a time when countries around the world are increasingly recognising the creative economy as a major contributor to national development. By championing this conversation on a global platform, the princess will not only represent Eswatini’s interests but also amplify Africa’s voice in shaping future economic opportunities.
The Clevenard Open Project 2026 will culminate on August 30 with the Clevenard Global Awards (3rd Edition), where Princess Sikhanyiso is scheduled to receive the Clevenard Honorary Award in recognition of her contributions to economic development, cultural innovation and international collaboration.
For Eswatini, the engagement represents more than a royal appearance abroad. It offers an opportunity to promote the Kingdom’s cultural assets, strengthen international relations and inspire greater appreciation for the role of the creative economy in national development.
Through her landmark lecture, Princess Sikhanyiso is expected to position Eswatini as a nation ready to contribute meaningfully to global discussions on creativity, culture, tourism and economic transformation.
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