Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
ZIMBABWE will host the International Corrections and Prisons Association annual conference in October 2027, bringing together correctional services officials and experts from across the world to share experiences and discuss best practices in prison management.
The announcement was made during the 2026 ICPA conference in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service Commissioner-General Dr Moses Cyril Chihobvu invited delegates to the country for next year’s gathering.
Dr Chihobvu expressed gratitude to the ICPA Board for selecting Zimbabwe to host the international conference and said the event will provide an opportunity for Africa to showcase its correctional innovations and contribute to global developments in the sector.
“We regard this honour not only as a privilege, but as an opportunity for Africa to showcase its innovations, share its experiences and contribute to the global future of corrections,” he said.
Dr Chihobvu said Zimbabwe and other African correctional services were pursuing reforms that placed rehabilitation and reintegration at the centre of correctional practice.
“Zimbabwe and other African correctional services are advancing reforms that place rehabilitation and reintegration at the heart of correctional practice.
“We, therefore, look forward to ICPA in 2027 as a platform for strengthening these efforts that leave no one and no place behind,” said Dr Chihobvu.
ICPA president Ms Heidi Washington of the United States said the association was excited to bring its global membership to Zimbabwe and learn about developments in the country’s correctional system.
“On behalf of ICPA, we are so excited to come to Zimbabwe in 2027 and learn about all the innovations and advancements going on in corrections there.
“We will come together with our global community to share ideas and learn from one another. In addition, I look forward to seeing all the beautiful sites and scenes and everything Zimbabwe has to offer,” she said.
ICPA executive secretary Ms Natalia Boar of Australia also welcomed the conference and said she looked forward to learning about correctional practices in Zimbabwe and urged other delegates to attend the 2027 gathering.
The ICPA annual conference brings together correctional services administrators, policymakers and experts from different countries to exchange knowledge and discuss developments in prison management, rehabilitation and the reintegration of offenders.
Namibia last hosted the conference in Africa in 2012, with Zimbabwe’s hosting of the 2027 edition set to bring the international corrections community back to the continent.
COMMENTS