The UPSCALE Project successfully held its second Consortium Meeting (CM2) from 24–25 February 2026 at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA). The meeting brought together representatives from all partner institutions to review progress achieved since the first consortium meeting and to strengthen collaboration across the project. The opening session featured welcome remarks from the Vice Chancellor of UNESWA, Professor JM Thwala, followed by opening remarks from Dr. Ivy Rose Mathew, UPSCALE Project Coordinator from Botho University, Botswana. Partners presented institutional progress updates and reviewed implementation activities under key work packages, including project management and quality assurance, graduate tracking, institutional reform and career centres, dual career pathways, and dissemination and sustainability.

The consortium meeting also focused on strategic planning and operational alignment for the next phase of the project. Discussions covered the development of the 2026–2027 operational plan, key performance indicators, EU audit-readiness, and reporting quality mechanisms. On the second day, participants engaged in detailed finance and administration sessions, including interim financial reporting processes and compliance requirements. Additional sessions addressed dissemination and impact planning, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and internal and external quality assurance processes. The meeting provided an important platform for strengthening coordination, sharing best practices, and ensuring that all partners remain aligned towards achieving the objectives of the UPSCALE project.