The SADCQF is a regional mechanism for comparability and recognition of full qualifications, credit transfer, creation of regional standards and facilitation of quality assurance (QA). It consists of a set of agreed principles, practices, procedures and standardised terminology intended to meet the five purposes of the SADCQF:

1. Providing a mechanism for comparability and recognition of qualifications in SADC.
2. Facilitating mutual recognition of qualifications in all member states.
3. Harmonising qualifications wherever possible.
4. Promoting the transfer of credits within and among member states and even beyond.
5. Creating SADC regional standards where appropriate.

In the six years of its implementation, the SADCQF implementation model showed resilience in the face of challenges and resource limitations and was able to deliver tangible contributions on some of the defined purposes. However, after this initial phase of testing and piloting, SADCQF needs capacities to advance on the defined purposes and generate impact.

Chapter 7 of this report contains conclusions and recommendations, and is structured in eight topics: A. On the five purposes of SADCQF; B.Governance and implementation model; C. Legal basis and methodological framework of SADCQF; D.NQF development and alignment; E. New demands – new developments; F. Dissemination and application of SADCQF Handbooks and Guidelines; G.Capacity development; H.Interplay between SADCQF and ACQF