VP Mohadi Opens 2026 National Disability Expo, Announces Presidential Empowerment Package

MASVINGO – Vice President Kembo Mohadi has officially opened the 2026 National Disability Expo in Masvingo, reaffirming the Government's commitment to improving the welfare and economic inclusion of persons with disabilities across Zimbabwe. VP Mohadi, who represented President Emmerson Mnangagwa at the official opening ceremony held at Mucheke Stadium on Friday, presided over an event that attracted more than 500 exhibitors from across the country.

Hosted by Masvingo Province on a rotational basis, this year's National Disability Expo began on Wednesday and concludes on Friday. The annual event provides a platform for persons with disabilities, government institutions, private companies, and development partners to showcase products, services, and initiatives aimed at promoting inclusion and economic empowerment.

One of the highlights of the three-day exhibition was the strong participation of people living with disabilities, who displayed locally produced goods, entrepreneurial ventures, and artistic talents. A roadshow featuring musical performances by artists with disabilities also drew large crowds throughout the event. Before officiating at the expo, Vice President Mohadi commissioned the new Jairos Jiri Centre Business Unit in Masvingo, a facility expected to enhance vocational training and income-generating opportunities for persons with disabilities.

In a speech delivered on behalf of President Mnangagwa, the Government reiterated its commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities are fully integrated into Zimbabwe's socio-economic development agenda.

The President said the Second Republic remained guided by its policy of "leaving no one and no place behind," adding that empowering people with disabilities remains a national priority.

As part of that commitment, the President announced a Presidential Empowerment Package targeting persons with disabilities. The package includes:

• Fifty goats under the Presidential Goat Scheme;

• Sixty pigs under the Presidential Piggery Project;

• Agricultural land for productive farming;

• Residential stands; and

• Mining equipment to support income-generating projects.

The government said the empowerment resources will be distributed equitably across Zimbabwe's 10 provinces to ensure broad national coverage.

The National Disability Expo is held annually to promote disability inclusion, encourage entrepreneurship among persons with disabilities, and create opportunities for networking between government agencies, businesses, and development partners. Authorities say the exhibition also seeks to raise awareness about disability rights while showcasing the abilities, innovation, and economic potential of Zimbabweans living with disabilities. The Government has repeatedly stated that empowering persons with disabilities is central to achieving inclusive national development and improving livelihoods through sustainable economic participation.

2026 National Disability Expo