National Education Summit 2026 begins

THE fourth edition of the National Education Summit Zimbabwe (NESZ) 2026 began on Wednesday at the Lakeside Events Centre on the outskirts of Bulawayo along Plumtree Road, bringing together education stakeholders from across the country to deliberate on transforming Zimbabwe’s education sector.

The four-day summit, running from May 27 to 30 under the theme, “From Policy to Practice: Driving Innovation and Investment in Zimbabwe’s Education System,” is attracting about 3 000 delegates drawn from Government ministries, the education sector, development partners, financiers, the private sector and international organisations.

President Mnangagwa is expected to officially open the high-level gathering as Guest of Honour, while businessman and chairperson of the Land Tenure Implementation Committee, Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei, is also expected to make a presentation on land tenure issues and their intersection with the education sector.

Officially welcoming delegates to the summit in remarks read on behalf of the Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Albert Nguluvhe, Deputy

Director for the Administration Department Mr Ndodana Dlamini said the province was honoured to host the important national gathering.
“It is my singular honour and privilege to welcome you all to the province on behalf of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Development, Honourable Nguluvhe, and on behalf of the people of Matabeleland South.

“We are delighted to host this important National Education Summit,” said Mr Dlamini.
He said education remained a cornerstone of National Development Strategy 2 and Vision 2030.

“As a province, we understand that the quality of education we provide today determines the quality of leadership, innovation and prosperity we envisage tomorrow.
“Though we come from different corners of Zimbabwe, we are united by one purpose — improving education for every child, in every school, district, province and ultimately the nation.”
Mr Dlamini said Matabeleland South, like many provinces, faced unique challenges that impact the education sector.

“We face challenges of distance, water scarcity in some areas and climate shocks that sometimes disrupt learning.
” Yet we are also home to resilient communities, dedicated teachers and learners who excel despite these odds,” he said.

“This summit will come up with strategies to solve some of the challenges we are facing in Matabeleland South.
“We will emerge better after this conference.”

He said the summit provided stakeholders with an opportunity to reflect on realities within the education sector, share solutions and commit to building future-ready schools.

“This summit gives us an opportunity to reflect on realities, share solutions and commit to future-ready schools.
“The composition of delegates shows that education is truly a shared responsibility.

“We must build safer and inclusive schools so that no child is left behind,” said Mr Dlamini.
He described the summit as a high-level national platform aimed at bridging the gap between policy formulation and practical implementation.

“It is expected to strengthen collaboration between Government and non-State actors in advancing education reforms and delivering measurable outcomes,” he said.
“It is also poised to make education a strategic investment area capable of driving innovation, productivity, human capital development and sustainable economic growth.”

The summit will feature high-level plenary sessions, technical breakaway discussions, investment roundtables and a National Education Expo focusing on key issues including governance, innovative financing, digital transformation, teacher professionalisation and inclusive access to quality education.