Zimbabwe will host the African Union Africa Skills Week in Harare from October 12 to 16, 2026, following Cabinet approval of the event aimed at advancing skills development, innovation and industrialisation across the continent.
Addressing journalists during today’s Post Cabinet Briefing, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Soda Zhemu said Cabinet had considered and approved the hosting proposal presented by the Minister of Skills Audit and Development, Jenfan Muswere.
“Cabinet considered and approved the Hosting of the African Union Africa Skills Week as presented by the Minister of Skills Audit and Development,Dr. Jenfan Muswere,” said Minister Zhemu.
He said the Africa Skills Week is the African Union Commission’s premier continental platform for promoting policy dialogue, partnerships and innovation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as well as broader skills development initiatives.
“The Africa Skills Week is the premier continental platform established by the African Union Commission to advance policy dialogue, partnerships and innovation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training as well as skills development,” said Minister Zhemu.
He added that the 2026 edition would run under the theme, “Skills for Resilient and Competitive African Industries: From Training to Value Creation.”
According to Minister Zhemu, the theme resonates with Zimbabwe’s economic transformation agenda under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), particularly in strengthening human capital development to support industrialisation and economic growth.
“Under the theme ‘Skills for Resilient and Competitive African Industries: From Training to Value Creation,’ the event will align with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2, focusing on human capital development as a catalyst for industrialisation,” he said.
Minister Zhemu said hosting the continental gathering would provide Zimbabwe with an important opportunity to showcase its progress in skills governance and innovation while enhancing the country’s international profile.
“Hosting of the African Union event provides Zimbabwe with an opportunity for global visibility, showcasing the nation as a knowledge hub for innovative skills governance,” he added.
He said the event would also help Zimbabwe fulfill its commitments under the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through the promotion of inclusive economic growth, youth empowerment and decent employment opportunities.
