SADCQF - new roadmap 2023-2026

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, started in 2017, 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.

The TCCA proposed on 11-12 May 2023 a new SADCQF roadmap for the period 2023-2026, in accordance with the recommendations of the Report “Review of implementation and way forward”, which was adopted by the Joint Meeting of ESTI Ministers, held in Malawi, June 2022¹.

To note significant progress in the range of activities and the cooperation of SADCQF with two major regional qualifications frameworks: a) ACQF and b) EQF. This cooperation addressed the following topics and areas:

1. ACQF: a) Country-specific activities: developing policies and tools related to NQF and connected policy areas, e.g. RPL, and CATS. Member States involved in national level activities: Angola, D R Congo, Eswatini, Mozambique, Seychelles, Zambia; b) Capacity development, peer learning, networking – programme of country-specific training workshops, thematic webinars, continental Forums. Member States actively involved in continental Forums: Angola, Botswana, D R Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe; c) Referencing NQF-ACQF / SADCQF: 4 Member States completed referencing reports / presentations, 2 Member States - in progress; c) Development of ACQF QCP – national registers; d) Development and maintenance of websites of qualifications authorities (Angola, Eswatini).

2. EQF: comparison EQF-SADCQF. Report completed, presented to African and European Union stakeholders, validated by EQF Advisory Group.

Organisation of the TCCA meeting

• Initiative and invitations: SADC Secretariat
• Venue of meetings: Radisson Blu Hotel, Sandton, Johannesburg
• Participants: Delegates of SADC Member States, SADC Secretariat, experts.

Agenda of the meeting
Objectives of the meeting

1. Update information on the state-of-play of development, implementation and review of Member States’ National Qualifications Frameworks and related policies and instruments (e.g. Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer Policies, digitalisation of NQF functions and registers, communication, and visibility).
2. Roadmap SADCQF 2023-2026: overview of activities, progress and plans. Discussion and clarification on scope, timelines, and resources.
3. SADC CATS Guidelines: updated.
4. SADC RPL Guidelines: updated.
5. SADC Micro-credentials Guidelines - version 1.0 for initial discussion
6. Referencing to SADCQF: Guidelines - version 1.0 for initial discussion
7. M&E SADCQF: proposed indicators 2026.
8. ACQF Network: state of play.