Dr. Edwell Gumbo from USAf emphasized the EDHE Absa Innovation Challenge as a crucial step in addressing graduate unemployment and aligning higher education with real-world demands. He underscored the need to support all 26 public universities, commending the selection of Mangosuthu University of Technology as a powerful symbol of inclusive innovation. Dr. Gumbo highlighted student entrepreneurship as a driving force for strengthening South Africa’s economic resilience.