Background

The Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA) is determined and committed to review, improve and deliver impact of the national qualifications framework for Zambia and Africa at large. The enactment of the ZAQA Act No. 8 of 2024, the review of the Zambia Education Curriculum Framework of 2013 (now of 2023), the need to address issues cited during the 2020-2023 attempted review of the national qualifications framework, review and development of the policies on recognition of prior learning and credit accumulation and transfer system respectively, and considering emerging issues such as micro-credentials, internationalization of education and lifelong learning, digitization and the green transition, all call for a revitalized National Qualifications Framework (NQF) – the Zambia Qualifications Framework (ZQF) – that will respond to the aforementioned issues.

The Zambia Qualifications Authority has been implementing the ZQF since 2015. During this implementation period, some challenges, which were cited during the 2020-2023 attempted review, have been encountered. Chief among the challenges are the following:

1. Non recognition of competencies already acquired by learners comparable to A-Level;
2. The absence of “A” Levels in the General Education Sub Framework which impacts national comparability with international standards;
3. Some categories of the Trade Testing Certification in the Trades and Occupations Sub-Framework and the Bachelor of Honours Degrees in the Higher Education Sub-Frameworks are not provided for in the current framework; and
4. Emerging global qualifications and credentials such as micro-credentials are not recognised under the current NQF.

Hence, the review of the ZQF is intended to address the above issues and also ensure continued international comparability and recognition of Zambian qualifications, thus promoting mobility of learners and workers, among other benefits.

The Technical Working Group (TWG) workshops (23-24 January 2025, in Lusaka) are co-organised with the Project “Supporting Implementation of the African Continental Qualifications Framework” (ACQF-II), upon ZAQA’s request, and in collaboration with the pertinent institutions and stakeholders. ACQF-II is a project of the African Union-European Union partnership, implemented by the European Training Foundation, in close cooperation with countries, regions and the African Union Commission.

Participants

The following have been identified as critical stakeholders to constitute the Technical Working Group (TWG) for the review of the ZQF and its Level Descriptors:

1. Ministry of Education

• Directorate of Standards
• Directorate of Planning
• Directorate of University Education

2. Ministry of Technology and Science

• Directorate of Vocational Training

3. Ministries with education and training responsibilities

• Community Development
• Local Government
• Agriculture
• Health
• Labour
• Small and Medium Enterprises

4. The Higher Education Authority (HEA)
5. The Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA)
6. The Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ)
7. The Curriculum Development Centre (CDC)
8. Education and training providers (a relevant sample, to be selected): general education schools; TVET institutions; Higher education institutions.
9. Social partners: relevant organizations representing employers and trade unions; civil society organizations active in education, training, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL); Student’s association / union.

Objectives of the TWG Workshops

ZAQA is mandated to develop, implement and maintain a NQF for purposes of enhancing the quality of education, qualifications and skills development in Zambia. Therefore, the review of the ZQF is an imperative step to improving the quality of the country’s education system and skills development. Consequently, the aim of the workshops is to review and develop a NQF that is relevant and fit for purpose in the current and future context of education and training. The review will ultimately lead to:

• Improved comparability, transparency, portability and articulation of all national qualifications (types and levels) for an inclusive and effective lifelong learning system in Zambia, contributing to better employment, innovation, and effective digital and green transition.
• Strengthened recognition of prior learning, credit system, the parity of esteem of all modalities of learning, and the fair mobility of learners and workers.
• Boosted adaptation to new demands and types of learning and certification, notably micro-credentials; and to development of new skills for emerging occupations, technologies and global competitiveness.

Outputs of the Workshops

The main output of the TWG workshops will be a national qualifications framework document comprising the following:

• The systemic view of the NQF: vision, objectives, scope (micro-credentials), principles, components and structure. The structure includes:
  • A revised NQF qualifications map
  • Revised NQF Level Descriptors
  • A NQF access, mobility and progression chart.