Zambia advances the referencing of its National Qualifications Framework to the ACQF

Referencing National Qualifications Frameworks (NQFs) to the African Continental Qualifications Framework (ACQF) is a key instrument for strengthening transparency, comparability and mutual trust in qualifications across Africa. By demonstrating how national qualifications framework levels relate to the ACQF levels, referencing supports recognition of qualifications, mobility of learners and workers, and greater understanding of qualifications across countries and systems.

Zambia has made significant progress in this process and has already developed the first draft of its NQF referencing report. Building on this work, the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA), with technical support from the ACQF-II project, is organising a national workshop in Lusaka on 7-11 September 2026 to review and further develop the report.

The workshop aims to:

  • strengthen stakeholders’ understanding of the ACQF, its referencing criteria, methodology and technical approach;
  • review the evidence supporting Zambia’s referencing against the ACQF criteria;
  • validate the proposed links between the levels of the Zambian NQF and the ACQF;
  • identify gaps and areas requiring additional evidence or clarification; and
  • jointly develop and consolidate the next draft of Zambia’s NQF referencing report.

The workshop will combine technical sessions on the ACQF referencing methodology with practical, stakeholder-led work on Zambia’s report and conclude with the finalisation of the next draft and agreement on the way forward towards completion of Zambia’s referencing process.

  • When Sep 07, 2026 to Sep 11, 2026 (UTC / UTC0)
  • Where Reddy Convention Center, Lusaka West, Zambia
  • Add event to calendar iCal

DAY 1

Agenda Item

Time

Responsible

1

Registration

08:45 – 09:00

SRS

2

Introductions

09:00 – 09:10

 

3

Opening remarks

09:10 – 09:30

Director General

4

Workshop Objectives

09:30 – 09:40

Director Qualifications Services

5

Overview of ZAQA, NQF and Benefit of Referencing to Meta Frameworks

09:40 – 10:30

Director Qualifications Services

HEALTH BREAK

10:30 – 11:00

 

6

Overview of the ACQF

11:00 – 12:00

ACQF Consultant

7

ACQF referencing criteria

12:00 – 13:00

ACQF Consultant

LUNCH

13:00 – 14:00

 

8

ACQF Referencing Methodology and Steps

14:00 – 15:00

ACQF Consultant

9

Demonstrating links between the levels of NQFs and ACQF - Technical Approach

15:00 – 16:00

ACQF Consultant

END OF DAY 1

 

DAY 2

Agenda Item

Time

Responsible

1

Registration

08:45 – 09:00

SRS

2

Referencing Case Study and Best Practices

09:00 – 10:30

ACQF Consultant

HEALTH BREAK

10:30 – 11:00

 

4

The Preparation of the Referencing report

11:00 – 12:00

ACQF Consultant

5

Quality assurance of the referencing report - checklists

12:00 – 13:00

ACQF Consultant

LUNCH

13:00 – 14:00

 

6

Presentation of Zero Draft Report

14:00 – 14:30

Manager Standards

7

Commencement of The Review of Zero Draft Report

14:30 – 16:00

All Stakeholders

END OF DAY 2

 

DAY 3

Agenda Item

Time

Responsible

1

Continuation of the Review of Zero Draft Report

09:00 – 10:30

All Stakeholders

HEALTH BREAK

10:30 – 11:00

 

2

Continuation of the Review of Zero Draft Report

11:00 – 13:00

All Stakeholders

LUNCH

13:00 – 14:00

All Stakeholders

3

Continuation of the Review of Zero Draft Report

14:00 – 16:00

All Stakeholders

END OF DAY 3

 

DAY 4

Agenda Item

Time

Responsible

1

Continuation of the Review of Zero Draft Report

09:00 – 10:30

All Stakeholders

HEALTH BREAK

10:30 – 11:00

 

2

Continuation of the Review of Zero Draft Report

11:00 – 13:00

All Stakeholders

LUNCH

13:00 – 14:00

 

3

Continuation of the Review of Zero Draft Report

14:00 – 16:00

All Stakeholders

END OF DAY 4

 

DAY 5

Agenda Item

Time

Responsible

1

Finalisation of Draft I NQF Reference report

09:00 – 10:30

NOSDT Chair and members

 

HEALTH BREAK

10:30 – 11:00

 

2

Finalisation of Draft I NQF Reference report

11:00 – 12:50

NOSDT Chair and members

 

3

Conclusion and way forward

 

Director Qualification Services

LUNCH

13:00 – 14:00

 

END OF DAY 5