Transparency International Zimbabwe (TIZ) has called for stronger governance, transparency and accountability systems within Zimbabwe’s education sector ahead of the National Education Summit Zimbabwe (NESZ) to be held in Bulawayo next week.
The anti-corruption watchdog said quality and inclusive education can only be achieved through ethical leadership, accountable public institutions and transparent management of educational resources.
Held under the theme, “From Policy to Practice: Driving Innovation and Investment in Zimbabwe’s Education System,” the four-day summit is expected to bring together government ministries, development partners, academic institutions, civil society organisations, private sector players and other education stakeholders to discuss practical solutions for improving Zimbabwe’s education sector.
According to TIZ, education remains one of the most important pillars for sustainable development, economic transformation and democratic participation.
However, the organisation warned that corruption and weak oversight structures continue to undermine service delivery in the sector.
Governance deficiencies within education systems can manifest through procurement irregularities, abuse of public resources, bribery, favouritism in recruitment and admissions, examination leakages and weak accountability mechanisms.
TIZ executive director Tafadzwa Chikumbu said promoting accountability within educational institutions is critical for protecting public trust and ensuring equitable access to quality education.
“Education is not only a beneficiary of good governance, but also a driver of ethical leadership and integrity building within society,” he said.
“If we are to achieve sustainable development and social transformation, we must strengthen transparency and accountability systems within educational institutions.
“Corruption in education weakens national development, compromises learning outcomes, and widens inequalities.”
Chikumbu said strengthening governance and institutional accountability was therefore essential for protecting the future learners.”
He said the summit presents a strategic opportunity to advance governance reforms and strengthen accountability within the local education ecosystem.
TIZ intends to use the platform to advocate for evidence-based reforms, stronger oversight systems in public resource management, enhanced transparency in procurement and administration processes, and greater citizen participation in education oversight.
Action for Empowerment Zimbabwe (AEZ) president Alson Darikayi welcomed the participation of TIZ, saying governance reforms remain central to education transformation.
“The future of Zimbabwe’s education system depends not only on investment and innovation, but also on integrity, transparency, and accountable leadership,” Darikayi said.
“The summit seeks to provide a platform where stakeholders collectively move from policy commitments to measurable implementation.
“We believe sustainable education transformation requires a whole-of-society approach that prioritises ethical leadership, accountability, innovation, and inclusive participation.”
He said governance reforms were therefore central to the success of the education sector.
TI Z also plans to engage oversight institutions, policymakers, anti-corruption agencies and education stakeholders to promote stronger enforcement mechanisms and institutional compliance.