Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
HOSTING the Africa Skills Week 2026 will allow Zimbabwe to attract investment, forge continental partnerships and showcase its skills, innovation and industrial capabilities to a wide African audience.
The event, scheduled for October 12 to 16 at the Harare International Conference Centre, is expected to position the country as a regional hub for skills development, innovation and industrial transformation.
In a statement yesterday, Permanent Secretary for Skills Audit and Development Ambassador Dr Rudo Chitiga said the continental gathering would create opportunities for local institutions, businesses and innovators to connect with potential investors and partners in emerging sectors.
She said the event would bring together governments, industry leaders, academia, youth, women entrepreneurs, civil society and development partners, creating a platform for collaboration around skills development and economic value creation.
“Hosting Africa Skills Week 2026 offers Zimbabwe a distinctive chance to highlight its advancements in skills governance and innovation, while elevating its global standing as a centre for knowledge and industrial transformation,” said Ambassador Chitiga.
The event is expected to unlock investment and partnership opportunities in areas including digital skills, artificial intelligence, robotics, green technologies, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) infrastructure, industrial training, entrepreneurship, reskilling and upskilling.
Zimbabwean universities, polytechnics, TVET institutions, companies, innovators and young entrepreneurs will also have an opportunity to showcase their capabilities, products and innovations to continental stakeholders.
The exposure could help local institutions forge partnerships, expand markets and access expertise and investment to support skills development and industrial growth.
To be held under the theme, “Skills for resilient and competitive African industries: From training to value creation”, the event will focus on strengthening skills systems to support industrialisation and participation in African Continental Free Trade Area value chains.
Ambassador Chitiga said the gathering would also strengthen policy dialogue and partnerships while promoting innovation in TVET and broader skills development.
Africa Skills Week was institutionalised in 2024 after African union Ministers of Education and Training adopted it as an annual continental event.
It forms part of the Decade of Skills and Jobs (2025–2034) and supports the African Union’s Agenda 2063 priorities and Sustainable Development Goals relating to education, decent work, economic growth, industry and innovation.
Zimbabwe becomes the third country to host the continental event after Ghana in 2024 and Ethiopia in 2025. The Ministry has invited exhibitors, businesses and development partners to participate in the event.
