The second Experts’ Workshop of the Erasmus+ funded UPSCALE project, Upscaling Graduates’ Employability Tracking through the Implementation of Special Dual Career Paths in Botswana and Eswatini, was hosted by University of Eswatini from 26–27 February 2026 at the Sports Emporium, Kwaluseni Campus. The workshop brought together higher education institutions, policymakers, industry representatives, regulators, and international experts from Botswana, Eswatini, Slovenia, Poland, and Spain to discuss graduate employability and Dual Higher Education (DHE) models. Opening presentations highlighted perspectives from employers, regulators, and government stakeholders, while the UPSCALE coordination team from Botho University and EPDRI, Slovenia introduced the project overview and graduate employability survey concept.

The workshop opened with remarks from university leaders, government representatives, the Delegation of the European Union to the Kingdom of Eswatini, and industry stakeholders, highlighting the importance of collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers in preparing graduates for the evolving labour market. Presentations focused on graduate employability from the perspectives of employers, regulators, and qualifications authorities, while partners from Botswana and Eswatini shared national experiences and country profiles on graduate employability. The UPSCALE project coordination team from Botho University and the European Project Development and Research Institute (EPDRI), Slovenia also presented the project overview and introduced the graduate employability survey concept.

The workshop also featured presentations on European Union best practices in graduate employability tracking and dual education models from Slovenia, Poland, and Spain, alongside discussions on DHE models relevant to Sub-Saharan Africa. Participants explored how stronger collaboration between universities and industry can improve work-based learning opportunities and better prepare graduates for the labour market. The event strengthened regional and international partnerships and reinforced the UPSCALE project’s commitment to developing innovative and sustainable approaches to graduate employability in Botswana and Eswatini.