Zimbabwe will host the African Union Africa Skills Week in Harare from October 12 to 16, 2026, following Cabinet approval of the proposal aimed at advancing skills development, innovation and industrialisation across the continent.
Speaking at the Post Cabinet Briefing this Tuesday, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Hon. Soda Zhemu, confirmed that Cabinet had endorsed the hosting request presented by the Minister of Skills Audit and Development, Dr. 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 explained that 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 2026 edition will run under the theme: “Skills for Resilient and Competitive African Industries: From Training to Value Creation.”
Minister Zhemu noted that the theme resonates strongly with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which prioritises human capital development as a driver of 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.
Hosting the continental gathering, he added, will provide Zimbabwe with a unique opportunity to showcase its progress in skills governance and innovation, while enhancing the country’s international profile as a hub for knowledge and industrial transformation.
“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,” Minister Zhemu emphasised.
The event is also expected to advance Zimbabwe’s commitments under the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in promoting inclusive economic growth, youth empowerment, and decent employment opportunities.