The EU-funded Erasmus Mundus Support Initiative (EMSI) held a regional seminar on 2–3 April 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, on behalf of the European Commission, to examine how Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programmes (EMJMs) support the labour market integration of African graduates. Around 60 participants from African and European higher education institutions, civil society, industry, and policy sectors explored strategies to enhance employability, contextual relevance, and institutional cooperation. 

Presentations from nine EMJMs demonstrated varied approaches to labour market alignment, including fieldwork components in Africa, industry-linked internships, alumni engagement, and dedicated career services. African institutions contribute significantly to programme design and delivery, strengthening regional grounding and graduate preparedness. 

A newly published EMSI State of Play report underscored both advantages and ongoing challenges. While graduates benefit from global exposure and interdisciplinary training, systemic barriers remain. In Africa, high unemployment, skill mismatches, and limited networks hinder job access. In Europe, restrictive visa regimes and language requirements often limit post-graduation opportunities. 

Recommendations focused on strengthening university–industry collaboration, embedding regional labour market needs into curricula, and expanding career guidance and mentorship. Alumni emphasised the value of practical training, entrepreneurship modules, and early engagement with local employers. 

Complementary EU-funded initiatives, such as Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE), Capacity Building in Vocational Education and Training (CB-VET), and the Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme, highlighted additional strategies for enhancing skills development, institutional capacity, and graduate employability. 

The seminar concluded with consensus on the need to more systematically integrate employability into EMJMs, improve graduate tracking mechanisms, and foster sustained partnerships across sectors and regions 

Read the full report here.