Antony Chawagarira
MASVINGO – The 2026 National Disability Expo entered its second day at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo on Thursday, drawing hundreds of delegates, exhibitors and disability rights advocates from across Zimbabwe as stakeholders intensified calls for the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in all sectors of society.
Held under the theme “Embracing Disability Inclusion in All Government Sectors,” the three-day expo has become a national platform for promoting equal opportunities, showcasing innovation and strengthening partnerships aimed at improving the lives of persons with disabilities.
Government ministries, departments and agencies, organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), development partners, academic institutions, private sector companies and civil society organisations are exhibiting at the event in solidarity with people living with disabilities and demonstrating their commitment to inclusive development.
Among the organisations exhibiting are Leonard Cheshire Disability Zimbabwe, CBM Global, the European Union, various Government ministries, educational institutions, disability advocacy groups, assistive technology providers and community-based organisations working to advance disability rights and accessibility.
Speaking on the sidelines of the expo, National Disability Expo National Chairman Charles Mugwamba said the annual event continues to grow into a powerful vehicle for promoting disability inclusion and ensuring that persons with disabilities actively participate in national development processes.
“The National Disability Expo is not just an exhibition but a platform where persons with disabilities can showcase their talents, innovations and capabilities. It is an opportunity for stakeholders from different sectors to engage, share ideas and identify practical solutions that enhance inclusion and equal opportunities,” said Mugwamba
He said the expo also provides organisations representing persons with disabilities with a platform to influence policy discussions and advocate for the removal of barriers that continue to limit participation in education, employment, healthcare and other key sectors.
“Disability inclusion should not be viewed as a charitable undertaking but as a human rights and development issue. When we empower persons with disabilities, we strengthen families, communities and the nation as a whole,” he added.
In welcoming delegates on the opening day, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Masvingo Province, Minister Ezra Chadzamira reaffirmed Government’s commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in Zimbabwe’s development journey.
He emphasised that persons with disabilities must be afforded equal opportunities to participate in and benefit from socio-economic transformation as the country pursues Vision 2030.
One of the major attractions at the expo has been the display of assistive technologies, inclusive products and innovative services designed to improve accessibility, independence and productivity for persons with disabilities. Visitors have also been engaging with exhibitors showcasing programmes focused on education, livelihoods, healthcare, skills development and disability rights advocacy.
Leonard Cheshire Disability Zimbabwe, working in partnership with CBM Global under the European Union-funded Strengthening the Capacity and Influence of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities Project, said the expo provides a valuable opportunity for OPDs to showcase their work, build partnerships and contribute to national conversations on inclusion.
Stakeholders attending the expo have reiterated that inclusion must move beyond policy statements and become a way of life, with accessibility, participation and empowerment embedded in all development initiatives.
As the event continues, delegates are expected to engage in exhibitions, networking sessions, knowledge-sharing platforms and policy discussions aimed at advancing disability inclusion and strengthening the role of organisations of persons with disabilities across Zimbabwe.
The 2026 National Disability Expo is expected to culminate in renewed commitments from stakeholders to create a society where every citizen, regardless of ability, can contribute meaningfully to national development and enjoy equal opportunities.
