- EABC- IUCEA Partnership to Create Jobs & Address Skills Mismatch
Wednesday, 1st December 2021, Arusha, Tanzania: The East African Business Council (EABC) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) is geared to spur job creation & to address skills mismatches through internship placements across EAC countries
Mr. John Bosco Kalisa EABC CEO said” the MoU is set to boost academia, public and private partnerships collaboration on science, technology and innovation and business development.
He elaborated that the partnership will enhance linkages and synergies between High Learning Institutions and the private sector in unlocking trade and investment challenges across the EAC region
IUCEA & EABC new collaboration program shall support skilling and placement for university students in the EAC is intended to address concerns raised by the private sector that many graduates & youths lack employable skills and it takes them close to six months to perform to their expected levels once employed” said the Executive Secretary of IUCEA Professor Gaspard Banyankimbona.
The two parties will collaborate to address curriculum gaps through a private-public partnership.
Professor Banyankimbona said “academia and institutions of higher learning have a duty to steer the EAC integration agenda by producing graduates who can anchor economic and social growth. “
Professor Banyankimbona explained IUCEA is committed to mobilizing universities to interact with the business community from the bench-marking process up to the curriculum and training.
Mr. Kalisa further urged the private sector in the region to open up for training placement and skilling for graduates.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi Professor Stephen Kiama Gitahi who urged the youth to think beyond employment to job creation in the various fields of study and think “streetwise” to offer right solutions to community and industry needs.
Others present at the ceremony included Professor Aaron Mushengyezi vice-chancellor Uganda Christian University, Professor Sanctus Niragira VC University of Burundi, Dr. Victor Barantota Rector of Hope Africa University Burundi, Prof. Alexis Ndabarushimana Permanent Executive Secretary forNational Commission for Higher Education Burundi and Dr. Sylvance Okoth Acting Deputy Executive Director East Africa Science and Technology Commission based in Kigali Rwanda.
