Zimsec hosts regional educational assessment research Forum in Bulawayo

THE Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) is hosting a four-day Southern African Association for Educational Assessment (SAAEA) Research Forum at a Bulawayo hotel, bringing together education assessment experts from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

The forum, which began on Monday, is expected to be officially opened on Thursday by the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Torerayi Moyo.

The SAAEA Research Forum is a key technical and collaborative platform within the broader SAAEA framework, aimed at advancing research, promoting policy alignment, and strengthening best practices in educational assessment across Southern Africa.

Established as a forum that brings together research managers, assessment specialists and education practitioners from SADC member states, the platform serves as the implementation arm of SAAEA’s strategy by translating policy proposals into practical research, guidelines and regional initiatives.

The forum plays an important role in improving the credibility and quality of assessments in the region by supporting education reforms, facilitating regional integration in education systems and ensuring that learners’ qualifications are recognised across borders.

By fostering collaboration among member states, the initiative is expected to strengthen harmonisation in educational assessment systems, thereby improving standards and enhancing mobility for learners within the region.