By Zachary Gava
Harare, (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe is expecting more than 1 600 delegates from across the continent and beyond for the third edition of Africa Skills Week 2026, with the Government confirming that preparations for the event are on course.
The event, scheduled for October 12 to 16 at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC), is expected to bring together policymakers, industry players, educators, young innovators and development partners to explore ways of aligning skills development with Africa’s industrialization and economic transformation.
Minister of Skills Audit and Development, Dr Jenfan Muswere on Thursday said Zimbabwe was ready to host the event following an assessment by the African Union (AU), which confirmed the country’s preparedness during a visit in September.
“The African Union Evaluation Mission that visited from 9 to 11 September 2026 confirmed Zimbabwe’s readiness to host this event,” he said.
Dr Muswere said the preparations were being coordinated by his ministry through a Whole-of-Government Inter-Ministerial Organizing Committee supported by 12 operational sub-committees, in line with AU guidelines.
The conference will be held under the theme: “Skills for Resilient and Competitive African Industries: From Training to Value Creation”, placing emphasis on how African countries can transform education and vocational training into productive employment, thriving enterprises and stronger industries.
Government expects more than 644 international delegates, over 1 000 local participants, several foreign Cabinet ministers and more than 60 exhibitors.
Invitations have been extended to AU member states, diplomatic missions and more than 150 Zimbabwean institutions, while development partners have also been engaged to participate in the event.
Dr Muswere said hosting the continental gathering presented Zimbabwe with an opportunity to showcase its skills audit and development initiatives while learning from other African countries.
“It brings our institutions, industry and young innovators into direct contact with policy makers, investors and partners,” he said.
“We want the week to leave behind practical partnerships, new training opportunities and stronger links between our skills system and the needs of industry.”
The conference comes at a time when African economies are seeking to strengthen their industrial capacity, improve youth employment prospects and ensure that education and training systems respond more effectively to labour market demands.
Discussions during the week will cover youth and industrialization, artificial intelligence and the changing skills landscape, private-sector and diaspora contributions to skills development, the green transition, and the conversion of training into value creation.
The programme will begin on October 12 with President Emmerson Mnangagwa touring exhibition stands as part of the official opening. A ministerial and parliamentary roundtable meeting and a welcome dinner featuring cultural performances will follow.
On October 14, a Youth Summit will run alongside visits to selected educational, technical and industrial institutions, including the Harare Institute of Technology, Belvedere Technical Teachers College, the University of Zimbabwe, Zengeza 2 High School, Msasa Industrial Training Centre and the Geo-Pomona Waste Management Centre.
A flagship plenary session on October 15 will focus on priority value chains under the African Continental Free Trade Area, alongside a special session on scaling global skills pacts.
The week will conclude on October 16 with the adoption of a communiqué outlining the outcomes of the gathering.
Beyond the conference programme, Government has put in place arrangements covering accommodation, security, accreditation, publicity and medical support for participants.
Dr Muswere said the host agreement between the African Union Commission and the Government of Zimbabwe would be signed on October 11, ahead of the official opening.
Africa Skills Week is anchored on the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and continental education and skills development strategies, including the Continental Education Strategy for Africa 2026–2035 and the Continental TVET Strategy 2025–2034.
Dr Muswere said the ultimate objective was to ensure that skills development translated into tangible economic opportunities, particularly for young people.
“Africa Skills Week is about turning training into jobs, enterprises and shared prosperity for our young people,” he said.
New Ziana
