By Inside Biz
Over 200 stakeholders from the education, industry and professional bodies sectors have set the stage for transformative collaboration between higher education institutions (HEIs) and the private sector in Eswatini.
Held on November 20–21 and hosted by the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) in partnership with the Eswatini Higher Education Council (ESHEC), the Higher Education and Industry Symposium focused on tackling the country’s critical skills gap and mismatch.
Under the theme “Candid and In-depth Conversations Between Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Industry,” the symposium brought together all HEIs, both private and public, leaders of education, leaders of industry, professional bodies, students, and policymakers to discuss solutions for creating a workforce and entreprenuers ready for the rapidly evolving job market.
Sectors such as ICT, financial services, agriculture, construction, engineering, and energy were well represented, underscoring a shared commitment to bridging the gap between academic output and workforce demands.
Key Outcomes
The symposium concluded with actionable recommendations to address workforce and entrepreneur challenges and positioning Eswatini for global competitiveness.
1. Curriculum Modernisation: Stakeholders pledged to overhaul existing curricula, integrating practical, industry-focused training to complement academic theory.
2. Embracing AI and Digital Skills: Recognising the growing influence of artificial intelligence and digital technologies, HEIs and industry representatives agreed to embed AI, data analytics, and digital literacy into core educational programmes.
3. Strengthened Partnerships: A renewed framework for collaboration was proposed, including regular industry-HEI consultations, internships, and workshops aimed at ensuring graduates meet market needs.
4. Enhanced Career Guidance: Career advisory programmes will now focus on emerging job sectors, equipping students for the evolving demands of the global economy.
5. Lifelong Learning Opportunities: Delegates stressed the importance of continuous upskilling and reskilling programmes for professionals to remain relevant in a fast-changing technological landscape.
6. Boosting Research and Innovation: Both public and private sectors were encouraged to increase investment in research initiatives that address industry-specific challenges, fostering economic growth and innovation.
Strategic Implementation
To ensure these recommendations are actioned, a multi-tiered implementation strategy was outlined:
Think Tanks and Monitoring Systems: ESHEC and key stakeholders will encourage the strengthening of think tanks to provide data-driven insights and oversee the execution of agreed initiatives.
Tailored Industry Programmes: Specialised courses and short-term training opportunities will be developed in partnership with industries to address specific skill gaps.
Regular Progress Reviews: Stakeholders will convene for periodic forums to evaluate progress and recalibrate strategies based on technological and economic shifts.
Policy Support: The Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to fostering innovation and enabling partnerships through supportive policies.
Building Momentum: As the event drew to a close, ESHEC CEO Dr. Loretta Mkhonta emphasised the urgency of turning plans into action. She called for a united front among stakeholders, urging them to reimagine education as a catalyst for industrial growth and national development.
The symposium’s outcomes signal a significant step forward in equipping Eswatini’s workforce with the skills needed to thrive in a competitive global market, paving the way for sustainable economic growth.