ICONIC GLOBAL SUMMIT & HONOURS 2025 CONCLUDES WITH RESOUNDING SUCCESS AND HISTORIC FIRST-EVER WATB ICONIC AWARDS
Johannesburg, South Africa — The Iconic Global Summit & Honours 2025, convened by Iconic International Holdings and hosted in strategic partnership with the Women African Tourism Board (WATB), concluded with resounding success—bringing together continental leaders, diplomats, policymakers, cultural icons, and development institutions committed to advancing “The Africa We Want – Everyone’s Responsibility.”
The Summit was hosted by Ambassador Moleboheng Matli, President & Executive Chairperson of WATB, in collaboration with the Office of the Convener, Dr Temisan O. Louis, Executive President of Iconic International Holdings.
Opening Address by Ambassador Moleboheng Matli
In her official capacity as Host and Strategic Partner, Ambassador Moleboheng Matli delivered a powerful opening that positioned Africa’s economic emancipation—not only tourism—as the central agenda.
She stated:
“Africa’s liberation in the 21st century is economic. We can no longer discuss development without addressing access, opportunity, inclusion, and the dismantling of structural barriers across trade, creative industries, mobility, and governance. Our mandate at WATB extends far beyond tourism—we champion economic transformation that empowers women, youth, and communities across borders. The Iconic Global Summit & Honours is a platform for action, not rhetoric. Africa will rise because we are choosing to rise together.”
Her remarks set the tone for a continental discourse anchored in economic sovereignty, womenled leadership, and integrated development systems.
Powerful Keynotes and High-Level Speaker Contributions
The Summit featured influential voices including:
• Dr Danisa Baloyi, whose keynote emphasised inclusive economic empowerment and strengthening African institutions.
• Luyanda Zuma, Miss South Africa 2025 First Runner-Up, who highlighted the creative economy’s rising influence.
• Dr Thabo Lehlokoe, who provided insights on health-system resilience and sustainable development.
• Senior diplomats representing the Democratic Republic of Congo, Belgium, Zimbabwe, Angola and Namibia, reinforcing Africa’s commitment to multilateral cooperation.
Historic First-Ever WATB Iconic Awards
A monumental highlight of the Summit was the inaugural WATB Iconic Awards, celebrating transformational leadership, governance excellence, cultural preservation, and economic innovation.
Honourees and Correct Award Categories
• Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma
WATB Icon of Africa Award — Women in Politics and Pan-African Leadership
• Her Excellency Mrs Neo Masisi
Former First Lady of Botswana
WATB Special Award for Public Service Leadership
• Dr Jane Mufamadi
WATB Icon of Africa Award — Preservation of Culture and Heritage Pride
• His Excellency Biodun Oyabanji
Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Nigeria
WATB Iconic Award for Excellence in Tourism Economic Transformation
Creative Legacy Tributes
WATB honoured Africa’s cultural heritage through Posthumous Iconic Awards presented to:
• The late Winnie Khumalo
• The late Oliver Mtukudzi
An intergenerational moment was witnessed as Luyanda Zuma presented the WATB
Posthumous Iconic Legacy Award, symbolising the continuity of African artistic excellence.
The ceremony concluded with a powerful tribute to Sello Maake ka-Ncube, who received the WATB Icon of Africa Award for his monumental contribution to African film, theatre, and cultural identity.
Driving Africa’s Future: Key Outcomes and Forward Agenda
The Summit reaffirmed several priorities essential for Africa’s socio-economic advancement:
• Operationalising key G20 resolutions to strengthen Africa’s global economic participation.
• Positioning tourism as a strategic catalyst for economic diversification, integrating infrastructure, agriculture, fashion, heritage, and creative industries.
• Enhancing youth employment and enterprise growth through AfCFTA-aligned systems.
• Accelerating regulatory harmonisation to improve ease of doing business and mobility across African states.
Leadership Reflections
Ambassador Moleboheng Matli, Host and President/Executive Chairperson of WATB, reflected:
“Our mission is to drive Africa’s tourism and creative sectors into globally competitive engines of development, grounded in policy alignment, innovation, and women-led leadership. The 2025 Summit is only the beginning of a continental movement that will redefine Africa’s place in the world.”
Official Statement by the Convener
Dr Temisan O. Louis, Convener of the Iconic Global Summit & Honours and Executive President of Iconic International Holdings, stated:
“The Iconic Global Summit & Honours is a defining platform for Africa’s next chapter. Our responsibility is to drive economic cooperation, strategic leadership, and visionary policy that positions Africa as a global powerhouse. As convener, I affirm that this annual gathering will continue to deepen Africa’s economic integration, shape continental diplomacy, and open pathways for women, youth, business, and creative industry leaders. Africa’s future depends on decisive, collective, and immediate action.”
Media Engagement Now Open
Media are invited to schedule:
• Interviews with Ambassador Moleboheng Matli
• Briefings with Dr Temisan O. Louis
• Features with Honourees and Speakers
• Expert Commentary on Creative Economy, Tourism, Trade and Development
• Diplomatic insights from participating missions
Post-event momentum is high, and media engagement opportunities are now officially open.
Inquiries
Ms. Bohlale Molotsoane
E: media@womenafeicantourismboard.org
T: +27 689638461
