Manamela Says New SA-Mozambique Education Pact Will Boost Youth Skills and Drive Economic Growth
Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has hailed the signing of a new cooperation agreement with Mozambique as a big step forward in building skills for young people and strengthening ties between the two nations. The deal, inked during the 4th South Africa-Mozambique Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Maputo, sets up a clear plan for sharing knowledge, research and training programmes. Manamela, who joined President Cyril Ramaphosa for the talks, stressed how this partnership will help close skills gaps and create better job chances for the youth, supporting South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP).
The agreement comes at a time when both countries face high youth unemployment and a need for practical training. By focusing on areas like technical education and joint research, it aims to equip people with tools for a modern economy, making sure no one gets left behind in the push for progress.
A Fresh Framework for Education Ties
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on higher education and training was signed as part of the BNC, which wrapped up on Wednesday, 3 December. Manamela led the charge, taking part in the Council of Ministers meeting on Tuesday, 2 December, where leaders from both sides laid out ways to work together more closely.
Key parts of the deal include swapping teams to share experiences in education systems, teaming up on quality checks and accreditation, and boosting info exchange on research and publications. It also pushes for direct links between universities and colleges to spark joint projects and student swaps at undergrad and postgrad levels.
Manamela pointed out the focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as key. “This cooperation is designed to directly improve the skills profile, employability, and entrepreneurial capacity of young people, thereby closing the skills gap and fuelling economic growth in both nations,” he said. By sharing policy papers, course plans and partnership ideas in TVET, the countries hope to build stronger colleges that turn out job-ready graduates.
The MoU builds on the SADC Protocol on Education and Training, which guides regional efforts to tackle common challenges like access to quality learning and skills mismatches.
Youth at the Heart: Tackling Unemployment and Building Capacity
With youth joblessness over 40% in both nations, the agreement puts young people front and centre. It aims to create more exchange programmes for students, lecturers and experts, helping them gain real-world skills across borders. This could mean South African students learning from Mozambique’s focus on agriculture and resources, while Mozambican ones tap into SA’s tech and manufacturing know-how.
Manamela noted how linking institutions will support a “knowledge-driven economy” and lift socio-economic well-being. “The twinning of institutions of higher education is vital for fostering academic collaboration,” he added. Plans include joint research in shared interests like renewable energy, health and digital skills, which could lead to breakthroughs that benefit both economies.
This ties into South Africa’s NDP goals of cutting poverty and inequality through better education. For families struggling with job shortages, it offers hope that their kids will have more paths to success.
From Talks to Action: Next Steps for Implementation
Both ministries will now craft a detailed action plan to make the MoU work, with updates shared at the next BNC. This includes timelines for exchanges, funding for joint projects and ways to track progress.
Manamela’s trip with President Ramaphosa shows the high priority on education in bilateral ties. The BNC covered other areas like trade and security, but skills development stood out as a way to build lasting partnerships.
Experts say this could inspire more SADC-wide efforts, like shared online courses or cross-border apprenticeships, helping the region compete globally.
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