Education summit targets investment and innovation drive

Business Reporter
Zimbabwe’s education sector is set for a major investment and innovation drive as stakeholders prepare for the inaugural National Education Summit Zimbabwe (NESZ 2026), a high-level national platform aimed at bridging the gap between policy formulation and practical implementation.
The Summit, scheduled for 27 to 29 May in Bulawayo, is expected to bring together policymakers, education leaders, financiers, development partners, industry players, civil society organisations and private sector stakeholders to explore sustainable solutions for the country’s education system. Running under the theme, “From Policy to Practice: Driving Innovation and Investment in Zimbabwe’s Education System”, the Summit represents the evolution of the National Education Conference and Expo into a broader policy-support and implementation mechanism designed to mobilise partnerships, accountability and investment in education.

Organised by Action for Empowerment Zimbabwe (AEZ) and The Business Diary in partnership with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, the Summit is expected to strengthen collaboration between Government and non-state actors in advancing education reforms and delivering measurable outcomes.
Speaking ahead of the Summit, the President of Action for Empowerment Zimbabwe and Convener of the National Education Summit, Mr Alson Darikayi, said the platform marks an important national transition from dialogue to implementation.
“The National Education Summit Zimbabwe represents a strategic national platform that seeks to move the education discourse beyond policy discussions towards practical implementation, investment mobilisation and institutional collaboration. Zimbabwe’s education transformation requires collective action from Government, business, development partners and communities,” said Mr Darikayi.
He added that the Summit seeks to position education as a critical pillar for national development and economic transformation.
“We believe education must be viewed not only as a social service but as a strategic investment area capable of driving innovation, productivity, human capital development and sustainable economic growth,” he said.
Mr Darikayi said the platform has evolved steadily since its inception in 2023, growing from a stakeholder engagement forum into what organisers describe as a credible national convening platform for education dialogue, coordination and implementation.
“The elevation of the National Education Conference and Expo to the National Education Summit Zimbabwe represents a strategic transition from stakeholder dialogue to a high-level national policy-support and implementation mechanism,” said Mr Darikayi.
The Summit is aligned with key national development frameworks, including the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), Vision 2030 and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s Education Sector Strategic Plan 2026–2030. It seeks to support education infrastructure expansion, digital inclusion, inclusive learning, sustainable financing and improved governance across the sector.
Transparency International Zimbabwe Executive Director, Mr Tafadzwa Chikumbu, said governance and accountability remain central to the delivery of quality education outcomes.
“Strong education systems thrive where there is transparency, accountability, ethical leadership and responsible public resource management. The National Education Summit presents a timely opportunity for stakeholders to strengthen integrity systems within the education sector and promote public trust in education governance,” said Mr Chikumbu.
He added that quality education and good governance are mutually reinforcing national priorities.
“Education institutions are not only beneficiaries of good governance but are also key spaces for building ethical leadership, civic responsibility and a culture of accountability within society,” he said.
“The Exhibition will serve as a practical bridge between dialogue and implementation,” the concept note states.

Chief Executive Officer of the National Education Summit Zimbabwe, Ms Violet Nkathazo, said the Summit has already attracted significant national interest from institutions and stakeholders across the education ecosystem.
“The overwhelming interest we are receiving demonstrates the growing recognition that Zimbabwe’s education sector requires coordinated partnerships, innovation and investment-driven solutions,” said Ms Nkathazo.
She added that the event is expected to unlock meaningful partnerships capable of transforming the education sector.
“Our expectation is that the Summit will generate actionable outcomes, strategic partnerships and practical commitments that directly contribute towards improving education delivery, infrastructure, innovation and learner outcomes in Zimbabwe,” she said.