BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE – The European Union’s Erasmus+ Programme continues to play a transformative role in strengthening Eswatini’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, reinforcing its importance as a driver of national development, skills development and youth empowerment.
This was highlighted by Under Secretary for Schools, Lungelo Nhlengethwa, who represented Principal Secretary Naniki Mnisi of the Ministry of Education and Training during the Erasmus+ Programme Information Session held on 15 January 2026. Addressing education stakeholders and TVET leaders, Nhlengethwa emphasised that TVET remains a critical pillar in addressing skills mismatches, improving employability, promoting entrepreneurship and fostering inclusive economic growth.
He expressed appreciation to the European Union Delegation to Eswatini for its continued partnership and support in strengthening education, training and skills development across the country. According to Nhlengethwa, initiatives such as Erasmus+ are helping to position Eswatini’s education system to respond effectively to both local and global labour market demands.
“TVET is essential in equipping young people with practical, market-relevant skills that improve their employability and enable them to contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said. “Through programmes such as Erasmus+, our institutions are gaining exposure, knowledge and partnerships that strengthen the quality of training we offer.”
The information session provided TVET institutions with practical guidance on accessing Erasmus+ funding, developing competitive proposals, identifying suitable international partners and navigating the EU Funding and Tenders Opportunities Portal. Participants were encouraged to collaborate widely and leverage the programme to modernise curricula and strengthen institutional capacity.
Nhlengethwa highlighted that Erasmus+ mobility opportunities enable both learners and staff to gain international exposure by travelling to countries such as Germany, where they can observe advanced vocational and industrial processes, including automotive manufacturing. He noted that participants return with valuable technical skills, new perspectives and innovative teaching methods, which enhance learning outcomes at their home institutions.
“These international experiences not only improve the quality of training locally but also increase graduates’ chances of employment, both within Eswatini and internationally,” he added.
He further pointed out that Eswatini’s institutions are already benefiting from Erasmus+ projects, demonstrating their ability to compete successfully on the global stage. Institutions such as the University of Eswatini (UNESWA), Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, and the Southern African Nazarene University (SANU) were cited as examples of local institutions actively participating in and benefiting from international cooperation initiatives.
The Ministry of Education and Training reaffirmed its commitment to creating an enabling environment for international collaboration in education. This includes supporting TVET institutions to align their programmes with evolving labour market needs, while promoting innovation, quality assurance and sustainable partnerships.
The Erasmus+ Programme continues to offer valuable opportunities for capacity building, curriculum innovation, staff and student mobility, and international collaboration. These elements are viewed as critical in empowering Eswatini’s youth with relevant, future-ready skills that support economic growth and social development.
As Eswatini continues to prioritise skills development as a pathway to employment and entrepreneurship, partnerships such as Erasmus+ are expected to play an increasingly important role in strengthening the TVET sector and ensuring that young people are equipped to thrive in a competitive and interconnected global economy.
