Zimbabwe will host the fourth edition of the National Education Summit Zimbabwe (NESZ 2026) at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair grounds in Bulawayo from May 27 to 29, with a strong focus on producing practical, measurable solutions to strengthen the country’s education system.
Held under the theme From Policy to Practice: Driving Innovation and Investment in Zimbabwe’s Education System, the summit is expected to shift dialogue into action by aligning stakeholders around implementable strategies that address key challenges in the 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.
President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa is expected to officiate as the guest of honour.
Primary and Secondary Education minister Torerai Moyo is serving as the convenor of the summit, while Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services minister Tatenda Mavetera is among the guest speakers.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Action for Empowerment Zimbabwe president Alson Darikayi said the gathering is designed to go beyond policy discussions and deliver tangible outcomes.
“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 coordinated action across government, private sector, 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, including representatives from 13 government ministries and departments, educators, school leaders, school development committees, church-run institutions, and private sector stakeholders.
Deliberations will centre on strategic pillars such as sustainable financing, teacher empowerment, inclusive access, digital transformation, and strengthened public-private partnerships.
The event will culminate in a communiqué outlining clear, actionable recommendations aimed at improving learning outcomes, enhancing infrastructure, and positioning Zimbabwe’s education system for future demands.
NESZ 2026 builds on previous engagements under the National Education Conference and Exhibition (NECE), evolving into a high-level platform focused on implementation, accountability, and measurable progress in the sector.
Last year the summit, running under the NECE banner, was held in Harare, with the 2024 summit having been done in Masvingo.
The idea is to take the summit across the country, according to Darikayi.
He said registration for this year’s edition was in progress.