HARARE – Zimbabwe will host the 4th edition of the National Education Summit Zimbabwe (NESZ 2026) in Bulawayo from 27–30 May 2026, convening the country’s largest and most influential gathering of education stakeholders across the full value chain.
Held under the theme, “From Policy to Practice: Driving Innovation and Investment in Zimbabwe’s Education System,” the Summit seeks to accelerate the translation of education policy into measurable outcomes, while unlocking new opportunities for innovation, partnerships, and sustainable sector financing.
NESZ 2026 is convened by Action for Empowerment Zimbabwe in partnership with Business Diary, and in collaboration with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, is expected to officially open the Summit as Guest of Honour.
The Summit represents the evolution of the National Education Conference and Exhibition (NECE), following a resolution adopted at its 3rd Edition and formalized through the Manna Resort Communiqué. This transition reflects strengthened public-private collaboration and positions NESZ as a high-level national platform for policy alignment, stakeholder coordination, and education sector transformation.
The National Education Summit Zimbabwe (NESZ) 2026 will focus on eight strategic pillars designed to transform the national learning landscape:
- Sustainability: Strengthening governance and innovative financing.
- Empowerment: Advancing teacher professionalization and welfare.
- Inclusion: Ensuring equitable access and modern school infrastructure.
- Future-Ready: Driving digital transformation and industry-aligned skills.
- Synergy: Enhancing public-private partnerships and stakeholder collaboration
The Summit is expected to bring together participation from approximately 13 Government Ministries and Departments, alongside an estimated 3,000 delegates. These include school leaders, educators, School Development Committees, District Education Offices, church-run institutions, development partners, and private sector service providers.
The Summit will culminate in the development of a comprehensive Communiqué, providing strategic and actionable recommendations to strengthen Zimbabwe’s education system and support national development priorities.
NESZ 2026 continues to position itself as a premier national platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action—driving Zimbabwe’s vision for a modern, inclusive, and innovation-driven education sector.
Alson Darikayi
President, Action for Empowerment Zimbabwe (AEZ)
