It is a singular honour and privilege for Zimbabwe to host the official opening of the African Union Africa Skills Week 2026. On behalf of the Government and the people of Zimbabwe, I extend a warm, fraternal welcome to all African leaders, policymakers, captains of industry, academia, and our vibrant youth gathered here. Our continent possesses the youngest population in the world, with over sixty percent under the age of thirty-five. This immense demographic potential must be converted into a competitive force through deliberate investments in relevant skills, work-based learning, and enterprise incubation. The theme, "Skills for Resilient and Competitive African Industries: From Training to Value Creation," is a timely clarion call. We must aggressively transition away from a culture of mere theoretical education toward practical knowledge and technical capabilities. In Zimbabwe ,our national development philosophy guides us: Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa, nevene vayo / Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhu-le-ke-lwe ngabanikazi balo. This cardinal compass reinforces the absolute Pan-African truth that the primary responsibility for economic transformation rests firmly with the citizens of the nation. The development of our continent cannot be outsourced, nor can it rely on external formulas. As we engage in high-level panels and the Skills Development Market-place this week, I challenge all delegates to deliver tangible, actionable results that advance "African solutions to African challenges." Let us collectively chart Africa’s development agenda with confidence, unity, and determination.