Manzini–The Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla has praised Limkokwing University of Creative Technology for producing graduates whose skills respond to the demands of industry.
Dladla made the remarks on Friday while touring various stalls at the 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF), where she interacted with the university’s marketing team.
The DPM said Limkokwing was doing well in ensuring that students were equipped with skills that were relevant to what the industry required.
She, however, challenged the institution’s students to go a step further by turning the knowledge and skills they acquire into opportunities for themselves and others.
Dladla said the country needed graduates who would not only look for employment after completing their studies, but would also be able to use their skills to create jobs.
Her remarks placed emphasis on the need for education to translate into economic activity, particularly at a time when businesses, entrepreneurs and young innovators are using platforms such as the EITF to showcase their products and explore opportunities.
The 58th EITF, which officially got underway at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre on Friday, is being held under the theme “Unlocking Green Economy Opportunities for Sustainable Trade Promotion.” The fair runs from August 28 to September 6 and is aimed at promoting trade, investment, innovation and business linkages.
The annual trade exhibition, which dates back to 1968, brings together businesses and entrepreneurs across different sectors, giving them an opportunity to introduce their products to the market, engage potential customers and establish business networks.
This year’s edition places particular emphasis on sustainability and the green economy, with organizers seeking to position the EITF as a platform for businesses to explore new opportunities while promoting responsible and inclusive economic growth.
The fair is also expected to attract more than 70 000 attendees over its duration, providing exhibitors with access to a large pool of consumers and potential business partners.
Against this backdrop, Dladla’s message to Limkokwing students speaks to a broader economic challenge, ensuring that the skills produced by institutions of higher learning are converted into businesses, innovation and employment opportunities.
The DPM’s remarks also come as exhibitors at this year’s EITF prepare to demonstrate how their products, services and ideas can contribute to the country’s economic development.
For Limkokwing students, she said, the opportunity was not only to become part of the workforce, but to use their training to become creators of opportunities.
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