By Mbono Mdluli
MBABANE – In a landmark moment for Eswatini’s education sector, the European Union (EU) has announced that Eswatini qualifies to apply for a global €26 billion (approximately E540 billion) commitment that uplifts higher education around the world.
The E540 billion is an allocation that was set for 2021 to 2027 and Eswatini can gain access to it. Speaking at a vibrant event at the Hilton Garden Inn in Mbabane on May 7, 2025, EU Ambassador Karsten Mecklenberg shared the exciting news alongside officials from the Ministry of Education and Training. This six-year initiative, powered by the Erasmus Plus Programme, promises to transform Eswatini’s universities, colleges, and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions.
With a budget of over E540 billion for the current programme cycle (2021 to 2027), Erasmus+ is one of the largest and most impactful education initiatives around the world — designed to foster mobility, strengthen partnerships, and build capacity across all levels of education and training. At the heart of the programme is the goal of aligning Eswatini’s tertiary qualifications with international standards, making them more relevant to modern industry needs. Through dynamic collaborations between Eswatini and European institutions, students and instructors will benefit from an enriching two-way exchange of knowledge and expertise.
Ministry of Education and Training Under Secretary Lungelo Nhlengetfwa, standing in for Minister Owen Nxumalo, expressed great optimism.
“This partnership is not just about learning from Europe,” Nhlengetfwa emphasized, “but also about showcasing what Eswatini has to offer. Both sides will grow and benefit from this shared journey.”
One of the most inspiring aspects of the collaboration is its focus on empowering Emaswati to go beyond exporting raw materials by building the skills needed to process and produce refined goods locally. With access to European expertise, Eswatini’s students will gain the tools to innovate, create, and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic development.
This initiative marks a hopeful and promising chapter for Eswatini’s education sector — one that not only strengthens academic standards but also positions young Emaswati to shine on the global stage.
(Courtesy Pics)
