By Musa Ndlangamandla.

MANZINI:The urgent need to bridge the gap between higher education and industry in Eswatini has taken centre stage, as stakeholders recognise the untapped potential of the nation’s youth. 

With the country’s abundant natural resources and a burgeoning unemployment rate, the question remains: why are these assets not  translating into economic prosperity?.

This was the key focus at the Eswatini Higher Education and Industry Symposium held on November 20–21, 2024, at The George Hotel in Manzini. Over 200 participants from diverse sectors—higher education, ICT, financial services, agriculture, and engineering—gathered to explore solutions under the theme:

“Candid and In-depth Conversations Between Higher Education Institutions and Industry on Aligning Educational Programmes with Industry Needs.”

Organised by the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) and the Eswatini Higher Education Council (ESHEC), the event tackled the theme:

“Candid and In-depth Conversations Between Higher Education Institutions and Industry on Aligning Educational Programmes with Industry Needs”.

All higher education institutions, both private and public participated in the symposium. 

The industries that had high level representation included Information Communication and Technology, Financial Services, Agriculture Production, Energy and Water, Building, Construction, Engineering, professional bodies, and ultimately, the education sector.

Opening the symposium, Minister of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to aligning education with industry needs.

“We are determined to reshape Eswatini’s education system to support our socio-economic agenda by meeting our educational and industrial goals. This event is not a talk shop that lacks implementation,”Nxumalo emphasised. 

The insights shared during this symposium will guide us as we transform the ministry’s educational framework.”