During her speech at the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2023) in Egypt, Hlatshwayo emphasized the significant economic and social impact of Africa's sports industry. She cited the example of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, which contributed substantially to the national GDP and created thousands of jobs.
Hlatshwayo highlighted challenges in the African sports sector, such as financing and data availability, and advocated for investment in sports education and training to nurture young talent. She concluded by underscoring the power of sports in fostering hope, unity, and cohesion in Africa.
The IATF2023 provides a platform for businesses to access an integrated African market, emphasizing the sports industry's potential in the continent's economic landscape.