Rumbidzayi Zinyuke-Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE and the African Union Commission have signed a host agreement for the third Africa Skills Week to strengthen technical and vocational education and training as a driver of industrialisation, innovation and employment creation.
Africa Skills Week brings together policymakers, educators, industry representatives and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening skills development and linking education to the needs of industry.
The host agreement was signed in Harare yesterday ahead of the opening of Africa Skills Week 2026 today.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, African Union Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Professor Gaspard Banyankimbona commended Zimbabwe for its leadership in education reform, particularly the Education 5.0 model, which emphasises innovation, industrialisation and the creation of goods and services from knowledge.
He said Zimbabwe was demonstrating how intellectual capital could be translated into tangible economic benefits, in line with the event’s theme of moving from training to value creation.
“Zimbabwe is humbly offering to the African continent a masterclass on our theme, moving from training to value creation. You are showing us how intellectual capital can be transformed into tangible prosperity for our people.”
Prof Banyankimbona said the host agreement represented more than an administrative milestone, reflecting a shared commitment to empowering Africa’s young people through skills development and practical partnerships.
Skills Audit and Development Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said the signing marked the beginning and continuation of broader efforts to strengthen cooperation among African countries in developing skills to support industrial growth.
“The signing of the host agreement does not only represent an end in itself, but the commencement and continuation of a journey for us as an African continent to be able to work together.”
Dr Muswere said skills development was fundamental to building resilient industries.
