Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike-Senior Reporter
THE African Union has expressed confidence that Zimbabwe will meet the required standards to host the Africa Skills Week 2026 from October 12 to 16 in Harare.
An AU team led by Head of Education Division Mrs Sophia Ashipala is in the country to assess Zimbabwe’s preparedness to host the continental event.
Briefing the Press in Harare yesterday, Mrs Ashipala said the AU was satisfied with the preparations made so far.
“We believe that there is an interministerial committee. There are a number of Ministries that are in there, the Ministry of Health also,” she said.
“We expect that there should be a provisional ambulance on standby, for example, and also a provision for first aid that can be rented to the delegates in terms of anything in case of health emergency that could take place.
“So, there is a set of criteria. It’s actually a checklist that you are going to follow one by one to see to it that everything is in place.
“However, we are confident, building on the number of engagements that we have been having, that most of these things are in place. We are just going to tick-off.”
Mrs Ashipala said the team would also visit other facilities as part of the assessment and examine measures to ensure the smooth arrival of delegates.
“We also want to make sure that the arrival is seamless in terms of those countries that require visa to enter Zimbabwe because it is not only African nationals.
“We are also having international delegates that will participate in this event,” she said.
Minister of Skills Audit and Development Dr Jenfan Muswere said Zimbabwe was ready to host the week-long event, with an inter-ministerial committee established to coordinate preparations.
The committee will use the Whole-of-Government Approach, bringing together ministries, departments and agencies involved in preparations for the event.
“All ministries, departments and agencies collaborate, work together seamlessly in order to ensure that the hosting becomes a success.
“So, utilising an Inter-Ministerial Committee, we are very sure and confident that the Inter-Ministerial Committee is the commitment, the dedication, the diction and the dexterity as they work together to organise the Africa Skills Week.
“Yes, Zimbabwe has a number of advantages, the peace and security, the infrastructure, the innovations, the excellence in terms of education and skills development across all ministries, but also at the same time, the highest literacy level in the African continent,” he said.
Minister Muswere said the Africa Skills Week was more than a conference, describing it as a continental platform for addressing how young people could be equipped with skills relevant to changing global demands.
“For Zimbabwe to host this gathering is to be entrusted with convening Cabinet ministers, technical experts, industry leaders, and youth representatives from across Africa, to chart a shared path on skills development, technical and vocational education, and human capital that can power our continent’s industrialisation and its aspirations under the Agenda 2063.
“This is a responsibility we embrace with humility and with resolve,” he said.
Minister Muswere added that the event affirmed the progress made by Zimbabwe in placing skills audit and development at the centre of the national development agenda.
He said the gathering also presented Zimbabwe with an opportunity to showcase its institutions, talent and hospitality to the rest of the continent.
“We do not intend to waste this opportunity, and it is precisely for that reason that we welcome the rigour of this evaluation mission: your scrutiny will only help us to deliver an event worthy of the confidence placed in us.”
