Bulawayo ready to host National Education Summit 2026

ALL is set for the 4th edition of the National Education Summit Zimbabwe (NESZ) 2026 to be officially opened by President Mnangagwa in Bulawayo this week.

The four-day summit runs from May 27 to 30 at the Zimbabwe International Conference and Exhibition Smart City (ZICES) and is set to attract diverse stakeholders, including Government ministries, the education sector, development partners, financiers, the private sector and international organisations.

Prominent businessman and chairperson of the Land Tenure Implementation Committee, Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei, is among the key guest speakers and is expected to present on land tenure issues.

The event will run under the theme: “From Policy to Practice: Driving Innovation and Investment in Zimbabwe’s Education System,” marking the first time an education gathering of such magnitude will be held outside Harare.

The summit is convened by Action for Empowerment Zimbabwe (AEZ) in partnership with Business Diary and in collaboration with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.

Speaking ahead of the summit, AEZ president Mr Alson Darikayi said logistical and strategic preparations for the flagship event were at an advanced stage.

He said President Mnangagwa’s expected attendance underscores the strategic importance Government places on education reform and human capital development.

“His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, is expected to officially open the Summit as Guest of Honour,” said Mr Darikayi.

“The President’s role as Guest of Honour affirms that education reform is a matter of national strategic importance and reinforces the Summit’s objective of aligning policy, investment and implementation.”

Mr Darikayi said Dr Tagwirei’s participation would bring critical insights into land-related issues affecting the education sector.

He said Dr Tagwirei will address delegates on the topic: “Land Tenure in Zimbabwe: Policy Frameworks, Implementation and the Role of the Land Tenure Implementation Committee.”

He said this was significant as it provides an opportunity to expose stakeholders in the education sector to land regulations in Zimbabwe.

“His presence promotes collaboration between the education and land sectors, particularly on issues involving school infrastructure, land allocation for schools and rural education development,” said Mr Darikayi.

“Many schools in resettlement and rural areas face land and ownership challenges. This engagement can help address issues related to acquiring land for new schools, universities, vocational training centres and student accommodation facilities.”

He said the summit represents the evolution of the National Education Conference and Exhibition (NECE) into a broader national platform for policy dialogue, coordination and implementation.

“The summit represents the evolution of the National Education Conference and Exhibition, following a resolution adopted at its third edition and formalised through the Manna Resort Communiqué,” he said.

“This transition reflects strengthened public-private collaboration and positions NESZ as a high-level national platform for policy alignment, stakeholder coordination and education sector transformation.”

Mr Darikayi said the summit would focus on strategic pillars aimed at modernising Zimbabwe’s education system, including governance, innovative financing, teacher professionalisation, digital transformation and inclusive access to quality education.

The event will feature high-level plenary sessions, technical breakaway discussions, investment roundtables and a National Education Expo aimed at bridging the gap between policy formulation and implementation.

Mr Darikayi said the summit would culminate in the adoption of a comprehensive communiqué outlining strategic and actionable recommendations to strengthen Zimbabwe’s education system and support national development priorities.

“NESZ 2026 continues to position itself as a premier national platform for dialogue, collaboration and action — driving Zimbabwe’s vision for a modern, inclusive and innovation-driven education sector,” he said.