The Ministry of Skills Audit and Development’s participation in the 2025 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Innovators Forum in Bulawayo holds significant importance for Zimbabwe’s economic and human capital development. Here’s why:
1. Aligning Skills Development with Industry Needs
The forum showcases emerging technologies and business innovations. The ministry’s presence ensures that skills training programmes are aligned with market demands, particularly in sectors like agro-processing, renewable energy, ICT and manufacturing – key focus areas at ZITF.
2. Promoting Youth & Workforce Empowerment
By engaging with innovators, the ministry can identify future-proof skills required for Zimbabwe’s job market. This helps in redesigning vocational training, STEM education and entrepreneurship programmes to reduce unemployment.
3. Enhancing Public Accountability in Skills Development
As a skills audit body, the ministry ensures that training initiatives are efficient, corruption-free and results-driven. Participation in ZITF allows for benchmarking against global standards and improving transparency in skills certification.
4. Fostering Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)
The ministry can collaborate with tech startups, universities and industries to develop apprenticeships, incubators and reskilling programmes, ensuring Zimbabwe’s workforce remains competitive.
5. Supporting Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 & NDS1/2
The National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1 and NDS2) emphasise skills development for industrialisation. By engaging at ZITF, the ministry ensures that innovation-driven skills (AI, robotics, green energy) are integrated into national policies.
6. Encouraging Innovation & Entrepreneurship
The forum highlights Zimbabwean innovators – the ministry can identify talent for funding, mentorship and policy support, boosting homegrown solutions.