President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to officially open the fourth edition of the National Education Summit Zimbabwe (NESZ 2026), set for the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair grounds in Bulawayo from May 27 to 30.
The summit, running under the theme “From Policy to Practice: Driving Innovation and Investment in Zimbabwe’s Education System,” is expected to bring together government leaders, education experts, development partners, private sector executives and civil society organisations to map out practical solutions for transforming Zimbabwe’s education sector.
NESZ 2026 is being convened by Action for Empowerment Zimbabwe in partnership with Business Diary and in collaboration with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
Torerai Moyo is serving as the convenor of the summit and is expected to lead discussions on reforms and implementation strategies within the education sector.
The high-level gathering will feature a strong line-up of ministers, legislators, academics, education stakeholders and private sector leaders.
Among the key participants expected at the summit are ministers Mthuli Ncube, Tatenda Mavetera, Jenfan Muswere, Frederick Shava, Edgar Moyo and Mangaliso Ndlovu.
Parliamentary representatives expected to participate include Supa Mandiwanzira, chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education, Getrude Mutandi, who chairs the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Women Affairs, Community and SME Development, and Stanley Sakupwanya, chairperson of the Parliamentary Youth Caucus.
The summit will also draw participation from education institutions, unions and financial sector stakeholders, including Tim Middleton, Annah Moyo, Canaan Mpala, Sifiso Ndlovu and Garainashe Changunda.
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Retlaw Matorwa and Isaac Matisiele are also expected to contribute to discussions around inclusive education and rural learning infrastructure.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Alson Darikayi said NESZ 2026 seeks to move beyond policy debates and focus on implementable solutions.
“The focus of NESZ 2026 is to produce practical, measurable solutions that can strengthen our education system and ensure that policy translates into real impact on the ground,” he said.
Darikayi added that the summit represents a critical platform for collaboration among government, business and development partners.
“We are bringing together all key players to co-create solutions that are not only innovative but also implementable and sustainable. The goal is to see real change in classrooms, institutions and communities,” he said.
The summit is expected to attract about 3 000 delegates drawn from 13 government ministries and departments, school development committees, church-run institutions, educators, school leaders and private sector stakeholders.
Key discussions will focus on sustainable financing, teacher empowerment, digital transformation, inclusive education and strengthening public-private partnerships.
Organisers say the summit will conclude with a communiqué outlining actionable recommendations aimed at improving learning outcomes, modernising infrastructure and positioning Zimbabwe’s education system to meet future demands.
NESZ 2026 builds on previous editions held under the National Education Conference and Exhibition (NECE) banner, with last year’s summit hosted in Harare and the 2024 edition held in Masvingo.
According to Darikayi, the long-term vision is to rotate the summit across provinces in order to widen
