Zimbabwe will host the 8th Africa Spelling Bee Championship from March 18 to 21 in Harare, with organisers saying the continental competition will bring together top young spellers from across Africa in a showcase of academic excellence and youth empowerment.
In a media release, issued yesterday, the Zimbabwe Spelling Bee said the country is ready to welcome participants and officials from across the continent for the prestigious event, which will be held under the coordination of the local spelling bee organisation.
“Zimbabwe, through the Zimbabwe Spelling Bee, is proud to announce that it will host the 8th Edition of the Africa Spelling Bee Championship from 18–21 March 2026 in Harare,” they said.
The organisation said the championship is expected to attract competitors from at least 14 African countries, reflecting growing interest in literacy development programmes across the continent.
“This prestigious continental competition will bring together top spelling champions from across Africa, showcasing academic excellence, cultural exchange, and youth empowerment,” they added.
According to the organisers, countries expected to take part include Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia, Lesotho, Botswana, Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Côte d’Ivoire, Rwanda and others.
The Zimbabwe Spelling Bee said the event goes beyond a contest, serving as a platform to promote education, confidence and unity among young people from different cultural backgrounds.
“The Africa Spelling Bee Championship is more than a competition it is a platform that nurtures literacy, builds confidence, and fosters unity among young Africans,” the organisation said.
Participants will compete in both junior and senior categories, with winners set to be crowned Africa Spelling Bee champions for 2026.
“Participants will compete in both Junior and Senior categories, battling for the prestigious title of Africa Spelling Bee Champion 2026,” said the Zimbabwe Spelling Bee.
Organisers said Zimbabwe was honoured to host the continental event following the successful staging of last year’s competition in Nigeria.
“Following the successful hosting of the 2025 edition in Nigeria, Zimbabwe is honoured to carry the torch forward and deliver an exceptional experience for delegates, educators and stakeholders across the continent,” the statement read.
The Africa Spelling Bee Championship is an annual continental academic competition aimed at promoting literacy, public speaking skills and academic excellence among schoolchildren, while also encouraging cultural exchange and cooperation between African countries.
