BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE – The European Union has called for stronger collaboration between universities and industry, saying such partnerships are key to improving graduate employability and driving innovation in Eswatini.
This was highlighted on May 27,2026 during a networking event held at the UNESWA Sports Emporium, organised by the Ministry of Education and Training, bringing together key stakeholders from industry and higher learning institutions, including the University of Eswatini University of Eswatini and Limkokwing University of Creative Technology Limkokwing University of Creative Technology.
The ministry was represented by Eswatini Qualifications Authority Executive Secretary Mboni Dlamini, who emphasised the need to align academic training with the demands of the labour market.
European Union Ambassador to Eswatini Karsten Mecklenburg said closer cooperation between academia and industry creates mutual benefits that cannot be ignored.
“Businesses benefit from fresh ideas, research collaboration and a skilled workforce while universities benefit from practical insights, technological exposure and stronger graduate employability,” he said.
Mecklenburg stressed that such collaboration requires continuous dialogue, trust and openness to innovation from all stakeholders.
He urged universities to be more responsive to industry trends, while calling on the private sector to invest in mentorship, training opportunities and curriculum development. He also encouraged policymakers to create an enabling environment, and students to actively engage as co-creators of their learning journey.
The engagement falls under the European Union European Union Erasmus+ programme Erasmus+, which promotes university–industry co-creation and the development of entrepreneurial universities across the SADC region.
The EU has reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting the higher education sector to improve academic quality and ensure graduates are better prepared for an evolving labour market.
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