Africa Skills Week 2026 opens in Harare, Zimbabwe, on October 12 and runs through October 16. Convened by the African Union and hosted by Zimbabwe, the event focuses on connecting skills development with industry, employment and economic transformation.
The theme is Skills for Resilient and Competitive African Industries: From Training to Value Creation. The programme includes industry partnerships, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, green skills, apprenticeships and skills for AfCFTA value chains.
The International Labour Organization says the week will support dialogue on employment, lifelong learning and skills systems that respond to labour-market needs.
Organisers expect the week to produce a Harare Declaration roadmap and an industry partnership and work-based learning compact. These are planned outputs, not yet completed outcomes.
Sources: Africa Skills Week official website; International Labour Organization.