- National Disability Expo Showcases Ability, Inclusion and Opportunity
By Abel Karowangoro recently in Masvingo
For decades, disability in many societies has been viewed through the lens of limitation, dependency and exclusion.
At Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo last week, thousands of Zimbabweans gathered to challenge that perception with a simple but powerful message: disability does not mean inability.
The National Disability Expo 2026, officially opened by Vice President Dr Kembo Mohadi on behalf of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, became more than an exhibition. It evolved into a national conversation about dignity, inclusion, empowerment and opportunity.
Held under the theme “Embracing Disability Inclusion in All Sectors: A Master Stroke for National Prosperity and Economic Development,” the expo brought together persons with disabilities, government ministries, development partners, civil society organisations and communities from across Zimbabwe and beyond.
In his address, President Mnangagwa said persons with disabilities must never be viewed as objects of charity.
“The Government of Zimbabwe firmly believes that persons with disabilities are not objects of charity but equal citizens, endowed with inherent dignity, rights and capabilities,” the President said in remarks delivered by Vice President Mohadi.
Those words resonated throughout the exhibition grounds, where entrepreneurs, farmers, artists, innovators and professionals living with disabilities demonstrated their talents and abilities.
The President emphasized that disability inclusion is not merely a social obligation but a constitutional and developmental imperative.
“Disability inclusion is not merely a social obligation; it is a constitutional, developmental imperative, a necessity and a human rights obligation.”
For many participants, the expo represented a turning point.
Instead of focusing on what persons with disabilities cannot do, the exhibition highlighted what they can achieve when barriers are removed and opportunities are created.
Mr Gibson Gurumani, himself a beneficiary of disability empowerment programmes, has established two companies that support persons with disabilities.
He said government policies had created opportunities that many people with disabilities had long desired.
“We must avoid the receiving syndrome. We must become entrepreneurs, employers and contributors to the economy.”
His story reflects the changing narrative surrounding disability in Zimbabwe.
The National Disability Expo demonstrated that persons with disabilities are participating in agriculture, business, education, mining, manufacturing and community development.
As part of the programme, Vice President Mohadi handed over hammer mills, solar panels, mining equipment, 90 metric tonnes of rice, goats and pigs to persons with disabilities.
The support initiatives are intended to promote economic empowerment and reduce dependency.
President Mnangagwa said economic empowerment remains central to achieving genuine inclusion.
“Persons with disabilities must be active participants and leaders in decisions that affect their lives. Their voices, experiences and aspirations must inform policy design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.”
Education also emerged as one of the key themes of the expo.
Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Commissioner Dr Kudzai Shava urged parents and guardians to ensure that children with disabilities attend school.
“Education is key to growth, development and inclusion. Children with disabilities must be given opportunities to learn, develop skills and realise their full potential.”
Dr Shava challenged persons with disabilities to aspire beyond employment.
“Persons with disabilities must empower themselves to become employers themselves.”
National Disability Expo Chairperson Mr Charles Mugwamba said government programmes were increasingly creating opportunities in agriculture, fisheries, livestock production and other sectors.
He described the expo as an important learning platform.
“The Expo gives persons with disabilities access to information, opportunities and programmes that directly benefit their lives and livelihoods.”
The President said disability inclusion remains an important component of the National Development Strategy 2 and Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 agenda.
“We must invest in inclusive education systems that equip learners with disabilities with relevant skills and competencies for the modern economy.”
As delegates from Kenya, Zambia and other African countries joined local participants, the expo also demonstrated growing continental cooperation on disability rights and inclusion.
President Mnangagwa called upon Zimbabweans to reject discrimination, stigma and exclusion.
“As a nation, we must continue to cultivate a culture of respect, tolerance, inclusion and Ubuntu. We must reject all forms of discrimination, stigma and exclusion that hinder the full participation of persons with disabilities in society.”
For many who attended the expo, the message was clear.
Disability is not inability.
Ability exists in different forms.
Given opportunity, education, empowerment and inclusion, persons with disabilities are not merely beneficiaries of development , they are active builders of the nation.
As Zimbabwe pursues Vision 2030, the National Disability Expo has reminded the country that true national development cannot be achieved if any citizen is left behind.
Inclusion, the expo demonstrated, is not charity.
It is nation-building.
