About the Speaker

Ambassador Dr Nomvuyo Nontsikelelo Nokwe is a dynamic and client-focused diplomat with broad experience and substantial success in driving economic diplomacy between countries bordering the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), especially as its former first African woman Secretary-General of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). She has achieved significant success in driving enhanced regional economic cooperation and sustainable development among the IOR member states, businesses and academia under the Chair leadership of India, Indonesia, Australia, South Africa, and the UAE. Her primary objective was to reposition the Association and to deliver sustainable long-term values and goals in line with the Jakarta Concord.

During her tenure, she oversaw the establishment of new Working Groups in the areas of Maritime Safety and Security, the Blue Economy, Women’s Economic Empowerment; as well as Tourism and Disaster Risk Management and she also played an integral role in the delivery of key IORA projects and initiatives. Her previous diplomatic experience as a first woman includes being South Africa’s High Commissioner to the Republic of Mauritius & Seychelles, where she promoted the national interests and values of South Africa through economic diplomacy.

In Northern Italy, whereas her first posting as South Africa’s Consul General she was instrumental in showcasing South Africa effectively and was able to attract crucial investors and skilled professionals to support both small and medium enterprises in South Africa before and after the World Football Cup of 2010.

Her other experience is in medicine as a qualified medical doctor, having worked in both developed and developing countries. Her passion is social justice and human rights hence her engagement through the Duma Nokwe Foundation a non-governmental organisation that interacts both at governmental and at community levels.