Scenes from the Expo: Visitors at the Nkomwa Foundation Trust stand at Chinotimba Stadium in Victoria Falls. Pic Credit: Nkomwa Foundation Trust
By Rumbidzai Rudanda in Victoria Falls
The 2025 National Disability Expo opened this Wednesday at Chinotimba Stadium, Victoria Falls, drawing delegates from across Zimbabwe and beyond in a bold push to accelerate the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all facets of society.
Running under the theme “Accelerating Disability Inclusion Now: A Collective Responsibility,” the three-day event brings together people with disabilities, government ministries, non-governmental organisations, academia, private sector players, and disability advocacy groups in a united call for action and change.
From vibrant exhibitions and insightful panel discussions to talent showcases and networking sessions, the expo celebrates the rights, potential, and accomplishments of persons with disabilities. More than a platform for visibility, it serves as a rallying point to dismantle the structural, social, and economic barriers that continue to marginalise persons with disabilities.
In line with this vision, the event features inclusive performances, adaptive sports demonstrations, and testimonials from individuals who have overcome systemic challenges to shine on national and international platforms.
While the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare leads the national disability agenda, the government has adopted a whole-of-government approach to disability inclusion. This emphasises that no single ministry can carry this responsibility alone—it requires the collective effort of every institution and sector.
Participating ministries include the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, and oversight bodies such as the Zimbabwe Media Commission. Their involvement signals a growing recognition that disability inclusion must be integrated into every national programme, from education and healthcare to media, infrastructure, and tourism.
Also exhibiting at the expo are educational institutions including Zimbabwe Open University, Midlands State University, and Great Zimbabwe University, along with private sector representatives and civil society organisations including the Zimbabwe National League of the Blind, the Sign Language Interpreters Association of Zimbabwe, and Signs of Hope.
One of the most powerful messages emerging from the expo is the universality of disability. “No one plans to be born with a disability, and no one plans to acquire one—but it can happen to anyone, at any time,” organisers noted. This reality places disability rights firmly within the context of human rights and social justice, rather than charity or sympathy.
The Government of Zimbabwe continues to reaffirm its commitment to full inclusion, asserting that persons with disabilities must enjoy equal access to employment, education, healthcare, housing, disaster preparedness, music, sport, and every other aspect of public life.
As part of its commitment to equity, the Public Service Commission has set a target to employ 15% persons with disabilities by 2030.
The expo is expected to reach a high point on Friday when President Emmerson Mnangagwa is scheduled to officially open the event.
Keep up the good work