5th ACQF Continental Forum
The main objective of the ACQF Network – a visionary initiative of the African Union, is to implement, sustain and strengthen the ACQF and its Qualifications and Credentials Platform (QCP), as policy instrument supporting transparency and comparability of qualifications and credentials of all types and levels, mobility of learners and workers, recognition of skills, qualifications and credentials, complementarities with national institutions in development of national qualifications frameworks and systems, referencing with qualifications frameworks in Africa and global cooperation.
The Inception document defining the goals, organisation, and governance of the ACQF Network was discussed and validated by the countries actively cooperating in the context of the ACQF.
The Terms of Reference for the Network, as discussed and agreed at the meeting of 22 January 2025, set out the Governance Structure of the Network which will comprise a rotating Presidency consisting of member states drawn from three countries (Troika) with developed NQFs and significant experience, Vice President, Secretary General, and Treasurer. A Secretariat will also be appointed to support the executive structure of the Network.
The Network’s Presidency elections concluded in April 2025. The newly elected Presidency comprises:
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South African Qualifications Authority, nominated representative: Nadia Starr, Chief Executive Officer
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Kenya National Qualifications Authority, nominated representative: Dr. Alice Kande, Director General/CEO
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Zambia Qualifications Authority, Mercy Ngoma, Director General
Purpose and Significance
The 5th ACQF Continental Forum, co-hosted by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) serves as a vital platform for fostering dialogue, collaboration, and peer learning among African Union Member States and key stakeholders involved in qualifications frameworks, skills development, and lifelong learning. Its purpose is to support the implementation and harmonisation of the African Continental Qualifications Framework (ACQF) which aims to enhance transparency, comparability, and mobility across national and regional qualifications systems.
The Forum plays a significant role in strengthening mutual trust, sharing good practices, and building capacity in critical areas such as quality assurance, recognition of prior learning, and digitalisation of qualifications. By bringing together policymakers, technical experts, and education and training institutions, the Forum contributes to advancing the African Union’s vision of an integrated, prosperous, and knowledge-based continent.
The event languages: English, French, and Portuguese
Streaming and hybrid connection: Available upon registration
- When Jul 30, 2025 to Aug 01, 2025 (UTC / UTC0)
- Where Sandton Hotel, Sandton, Johannesburg – South Africa
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Day 1 – Wednesday, 30 July 2025 |
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Time (SAST) |
Activity |
Facilitation, Involvement |
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08:30 – 09:00 |
Registration, tea, and coffee |
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09:00 – 10:00 |
Opening and Welcome
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Nadia Starr (SAQA) |
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10:00 – 10:30 |
Keynote Speaker: |
Professor M Hall (AST) |
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10:30 – 10:45 |
ACQF Progress and Roadmap for 2025–2027 |
Alice Kande (Kenya) |
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10:45 – 11:00 |
Tea Break |
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11:00 – 11:45 |
Research on the impact of the National Qualifications Framework on education, training, and employment Peer Learning Session 1: South African Good Practices |
ZAQA |
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11:45 – 12:00 |
SAQA Presentation: Enhancing Access through the National Qualifications Register – Enabling Data-Driven Recognition and Mobility |
SAQA |
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12:00 – 12:30 |
Legal Registration of the Network |
SAQA/ZAQA/KENYA |
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12:30 – 13:30 |
Lunch Break |
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13:30 – 15:00 |
Peer Learning Session 2: Continental Showcases |
🌍 Kenya: Transforming qualifications management through digital innovation- Kenya’s journey towards transparency and inclusion |
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Referencing Spotlight: Country Showcase |
Angola presents its ACQF Referencing Journey |
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Plenary Discussion: Alice Kande (Moderator) |
🌍Plenary Discussion/Reflection: Lessons and Considerations for Other Countries |
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15:00 – 15:15 |
Closing Remarks |
Nadia Starr (SAQA) |
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15:15 – 15:30 |
Tea and Networking |
All |
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Day 2 – Thursday, 31 July 2025 |
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Time (SAST) |
Activity |
Facilitation, Involvement |
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08:30 – 09:00 |
Arrival and tea/coffee |
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09:00 – 10:30 |
Opening and Welcome – Recap on Day 1 |
Mercy Ngoma (ZAQA)
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Cluster Working Session: Chairperson /Secretariat election and TORs |
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Activities and Partnerships
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10:30 – 11:00 |
Tea Break |
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11:00 – 12:00 |
Mobility in qualifications and credentials |
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12:00 – 13:00 |
Lunch Break |
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13:00 – 13:45 |
Curation of the European Qualifications Framework – the work of EQF Advisory Group |
European Commission, DG EMPL |
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13:45 – 15:00 |
Unlocking the Potential of the QCP: From Data to Policy Impact. Capacity building activity (session I) |
ETF and QCP Team |
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15:00 – 15:15 |
Tea break |
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15:15 – 16:45 |
Unlocking the Potential of the QCP: From Data to Policy Impact. Capacity building activity (session II) |
ETF and QCP Team |
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16:45 |
Closing Remarks |
Mercy Ngoma |
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Day 3 – Friday, 1 August 2025 |
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Time (SAST) |
Activity |
Facilitation, Involvement |
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08:30 – 09:00 |
Arrival and tea/coffee |
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09:00 – 10:30 |
Opening and Welcome – Recap of Day 2
Unlocking the Potential of the QCP: From Data to Policy Impact. Capacity building activity (session III) |
Alice Kande (Kenya) ETF and QCP Team |
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10:30 – 11:00 |
Tea Break |
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11:00 – 12:00 |
Unlocking the Potential of the QCP: From Data to Policy Impact. Capacity building activity (part IV) |
ETF and QCP Team |
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12:00 – 13:00 |
Open Discussion and Synthesis Session Reflections from Plenary Next steps:
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Alice Kande |
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13:00 – 13:15 |
Final Reflections |
Nadia Starr |
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13:15 – 13:30 |
Closing Remarks |
Alice Kande |
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13:30 – 14:00 |
Farewell Lunch and Networking |
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