ZIMSEC Pushes for Regional Exam Standards to Curb Leakages

By Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe is pushing for stronger regional cooperation in education, with authorities calling for a unified assessment system across Southern Africa that safeguards the credibility of examinations.

Call for Harmonised Standards
Speaking at the Southern African Association for Educational Assessment (SAAEA) Research Forum hosted by the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council in Bulawayo, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo urged member states to align their systems.

He stressed the need for common standards that not only improve quality but also prevent examination leakages across the region.

“Assessment Is the Mirror of Learning”
Minister Moyo highlighted the central role of assessments in shaping education systems, saying they provide critical insight into both teaching and learning outcomes.

“Assessment, indeed, is the mirror of learning — it reflects the progress of our learners, the effectiveness of our teaching methodologies, and the relevance of our curricula.”

He added that credible and reliable systems are essential for identifying learning gaps and guiding policy decisions.

“Robust assessment systems enable us to identify learning gaps, celebrate achievements, and inform evidence-based policy decisions.”

Regional Benchmarking Gains Momentum
The forum, held under the auspices of the Southern African Association for Educational Assessment, places strong emphasis on benchmarking assessment practices across member states.


Minister Moyo said the gathering reinforces a shared regional vision to ensure that evaluation systems remain credible, responsive, and aligned with the evolving needs of learners.

“I am informed that one of the core pillars of the SAAEA is the benchmarking of educational assessment practices across member states. It is, therefore, both timely and fitting that this research forum is being hosted here in Zimbabwe.”

Aligning With National Development Goals
The minister linked the forum’s objectives to Zimbabwe’s broader development agenda under National Development Strategy 2, describing education as a key driver of economic transformation.

He said strong assessment systems are critical for generating data that informs curriculum reforms, tracks learner performance, and ensures accountability.

“In this context, robust, credible, and transparent assessment systems are indispensable, as they generate the data required to inform curriculum reforms, monitor learner achievement, and ensure accountability across the education sector.”

Supporting Vision 2030 Through Education
Minister Moyo noted that the initiative also contributes to Vision 2030, which aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy.

He said regional cooperation in education would enhance integration, trade competitiveness, and shared prosperity within the Southern African Development Community.

Heritage-Based Curriculum Highlighted
The minister also pointed to Zimbabwe’s Heritage-Based Curriculum as a model rooted in local identity and practical learning.

He said the approach equips learners with knowledge of their environment, including natural resources and geography, while encouraging them to develop solutions to challenges within their communities.