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The curtain fell on the third edition of the National Education Conference and Expo (NECE) on Friday, leaving a strong message: conference resolutions must now translate into concrete actions to bring meaningful change to Zimbabwe’s education system.
Held under the theme Transforming Education in Zimbabwe: Embracing Innovation and Excellence, the three-day event provided a vital platform for educators, policymakers, and industry experts from across the country to network, collaborate, and share insights on the latest trends and challenges in education.
Education Minister Torerai Moyo, the guest of honour, highlighted Zimbabwe’s education system as one of Africa’s most promising, praising its high literacy rate and strides made in curriculum development through initiatives like the Continuous Assessment Learning Activity (CALA) and ICT integration. However, he acknowledged serious challenges remain.
Despite the government allocating 17.7% of the national budget to education in 2024, Moyo noted that this falls short of the 20% target agreed upon under the Dakar Framework for Action. This shortfall limits the sector’s ability to effectively tackle its challenges.
“We must reimagine infrastructure not just as buildings, but as learning environments that promote safety, dignity, and inclusion for every Zimbabwean child,” Moyo said. He outlined efforts underway through the Education Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP) to address infrastructure deficits, emphasizing the need for innovative models such as public-private partnerships, community-driven initiatives, and climate-resilient school construction.
Looking ahead, Minister Moyo announced that NECE will evolve into the National Education Summit of Zimbabwe starting next year. This change aims to institutionalize the event as the flagship platform for annual education policy dialogue, innovation showcases, and strategic evidence-based planning. The summit will rotate across provinces to ensure nationwide participation and a stronger focus on expanding Zimbabwe’s education infrastructure.
Other government representatives who spoke at the conference included Ministers Tatenda Mavetera (Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services), Paul Mavima (Skills Audit and Development), and Frederick Shava (Higher and Tertiary Education).
Notable contributors to the conference included educationist Tim Middleton, Zimbabwe’s consul general in Israel Ronny Levi Musan, and Sicelo Dube, executive director of Elevate Trust, who all made key presentations during the event.
Alson Darikayi, president of Action for Empowerment Zimbabwe, the conference’s organisers, described NECE as a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s national education calendar.
“The conference continues to provide a space where meaningful conversations can lead to meaningful change – not just for today, but for generations to come,” Darikayi said. He emphasized that empowerment starts with investing in learners and the environments where learning happens.
Darikayi highlighted one of NECE’s flagship interventions: a partnership with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to improve infrastructure at Runyararo Primary and Secondary schools in Caledonia. The initiative focuses on enhancing water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities, providing construction materials, and building new classrooms to meet rising demand.
He also paid tribute to partners such as Innovate Institute, Solid Rock Academy, the Insurance Council of Zimbabwe, and First Mutual Microfinance, whose financial, technical, and advisory support has directly impacted learners and communities in need.
From humble beginnings, NECE has grown into a national movement with each edition expanding its scope and influence. As Zimbabwe stands at a crucial juncture, the conference’s call to translate dialogue into action will be key to shaping the future of education in the country.
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