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The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela, accompanied President Cyril Ramaphosa to Maputo for the 4th South Africa–Mozambique Binational Commission (BNC) on 2 December 2025.
New Agreement Sets Framework for Regional Education Collaboration
A key outcome of the BNC was the signing of a new Higher Education and Training Cooperation Agreement. The agreement creates a formal framework for deeper collaboration between the two countries. It aims to strengthen higher education institutions, support a knowledge-driven economy, and improve the socio-economic wellbeing of citizens.
The agreement builds on the long-standing partnership guided by the SADC Protocol on Education and Training, which promotes regional cooperation in education, training, and skills development.
Areas of Cooperation Between South Africa and Mozambique
The new agreement includes several areas of collaboration:
- Exchange of delegations to share knowledge and experience
- Cooperation between accreditation, evaluation, and quality assurance bodies
- Greater sharing of research, information, and publications
- Promotion of direct partnerships between higher education institutions
- Joint research and development projects on areas of mutual interest
- Academic exchange programmes for researchers, specialists, experts, and students
- TVET partnerships involving policy documents, curricula, and training models
These measures aim to expand access to quality education and improve skills development across both countries.
Strengthening the TVET Sector for Youth Employment
Minister Manamela stressed that Technical and Vocational Education and Training remains central to the agreement. He said TVET colleges play a critical role in equipping young people with practical skills needed for economic growth.
The cooperation is expected to improve employability, build entrepreneurial capacity, and reduce the skills gap in both nations. It will also strengthen institutional linkages and support South Africa’s National Development Plan.
Next Steps in Implementing the Agreement
Both countries will now develop a detailed action plan to implement the partnership. Progress will be presented at the next Binational Commission. Minister Manamela said the agreement shows a major step forward in building a strong educational partnership that will deliver long-term benefits for young people in South Africa and Mozambique.
