Prime Minister Abela Emphasizes Higher Education's Crucial Role in Malta's Economic Future

St Julian's, Malta – Prime Minister Robert Abela stated on November 19, 2025, that Malta's long-term economic prosperity will increasingly rely on the strength of its higher education system to produce the skilled workforce demanded by a rapidly evolving economy. The Prime Minister delivered his remarks as the Chief Guest at the inaugural graduation ceremony of GBS Malta, part of GEDU Global Education, held in St Julian's.

Addressing the Demand for Skilled Workers

During his address, Prime Minister Abela emphasized that Malta's economic trajectory is now dependent on cultivating workers with advanced skills. He noted that significant investment across vital sectors, including technology, financial services, and tourism, has created a sustained and growing demand for specialized talent. Abela highlighted that education and employability are now central to the country's development model, reflecting a shift in Malta's labor market towards more specialized roles.

The government has consistently maintained that Malta's competitiveness could be constrained if the supply of highly trained individuals fails to keep pace with this demand. The nation currently faces shortages in various occupations, leading to a reliance on foreign workers, particularly highly skilled professionals, to fill gaps in areas such as IT, financial services, and iGaming.

Vision for a Dynamic Knowledge Ecosystem

Abela's statement aligns with broader national strategies aimed at strengthening Malta's educational landscape. The 'Malta's National Strategic Action Plan for Further and Higher Education 2022-2030', launched in July 2024, outlines a vision for developing a 'dynamic resilient knowledge ecosystem' by 2030. This plan focuses on creating an 'innovative, inclusive, and quality-driven' further and higher education sector that is responsive to student needs and employment opportunities.

The Prime Minister also referenced the government's ambitious 'Malta Vision 2050', which aims for the country to be among the top 10 nations globally in terms of human development and to achieve a median household disposable income exceeding the EU average by 15%. These goals underscore the critical role of a well-educated and skilled populace in achieving future national aspirations.

Higher Education as a Hub for Opportunity

Speaking at the GBS Malta graduation, Prime Minister Abela remarked, 'It reflects Malta's evolution into a dynamic hub for high-quality education and high-quality career pathways.' He added that 'In a world that is shaped by rapid change, these skills place students at the forefront of opportunity.' Allen Lofaro, GBS Malta's Director of European Operations, echoed this sentiment, noting that Malta is increasingly attracting and retaining talented young people who see a positive long-term future in the country, contributing to its emergence as an educational hub.

The government's commitment extends to strengthening the public sector through technological investment and aiming to establish Malta as the 'most AI-friendly country in Europe'. This focus on advanced skills and innovation further solidifies the imperative for a robust and responsive higher education system.