Palma, Illes Balears, Spain — Eswatini Senator, Linda Nxumalo, has told the Clevenard Seminar and Panel Discussion Forum of the region’s potential for sustainable development, expanded economic partnerships, and inclusive growth.
Nxumalo, in her capacity as Southern Africa’s representative on the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Steering Committee (Eswatini branch), gave her keynote adress on November 21 at the high-level discussions about the future of tourism, trade, and investment in an increasingly interconnected global economy which brought together global leaders, policymakers, investors, and development practitioners.
Hosted at Calle Manacor, núm. 156 de Palma, the event brought together stakeholders from across sectors under the leadership of Clevenard Media Group, an international digital communications organisation committed to strengthening global connectivity through tourism, trade, culture, technology, and media innovation.
Clevenard Media Group continues to expand its global reach through its digital TV and radio channels, magazines, events, and international marketing network. The Forum remains one of its top platforms for gathering decision-makers to influence development priorities across Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, the Americas, and the Middle East.
Against this global backdrop, Senator Nxumalo’s involvement marked an important milestone for Eswatini and the wider Southern African region, showing a renewed dedication to promoting international cooperation and attracting competitive, sustainable investments.
Senator Nxumalo’s address, titled “Tourism, Trade, and Investment: Driving Sustainable Growth,” outlined a strategic vision based on unity, opportunity, and long-term change. She began by emphasizing Africa’s preparedness to collaborate as a fair and innovative partner in global development.
We are at a critical point that calls for innovation, resilience, and meaningful collaboration. For Southern Africa, tourism is more than an economic driver; it is a bridge between cultures, a pathway for investment, and a catalyst for job growth.
She emphasized the importance of responsible tourism models that conserve natural resources, empower communities, and highlight Africa’s cultural and historical assets. She also supported digital transformation to boost the continent’s competitiveness in the global tourism industry.
On trade, Senator Nxumalo emphasized the transformative potential of regional integration. Trade is the foundation of thriving economies. The African Continental Free Trade Area offers unmatched opportunities for businesses to expand, for knowledge to circulate, and for Africa to strengthen its role as a dependable and competitive global partner.
Turning to investment, she emphasized the importance of partnerships based on long-term value creation.
Investment should be transformative, not just transactional. We welcome partners dedicated to supporting infrastructure development, digital innovation, green energy, agriculture, and industrialization—key pillars of a resilient and future-ready continent.
She also emphasized the importance of women’s leadership and youth empowerment as key pillars of sustainable development.
No society can progress when half its population is left behind. Women must be at the heart of leadership and economic growth. Likewise, Africa’s youth — our greatest asset — must be equipped with digital skills, innovation platforms, and opportunities to turn ideas into viable businesses.
Senator Nxumalo concluded by reaffirming Southern Africa’s commitment to global cooperation: “Let us move forward not only as nations but as global citizens determined to build a future defined by stability, innovation, and shared prosperity.”
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