About the Qualifications and Credentials Platform

The African Continental Qualifications Framework Qualifications and Credentials Platform (QCP) is a digital tool that links qualifications databases across Africa.

What is the QCP? 

The African Continental Qualifications Framework Qualifications and Credentials Platform (QCP) is a digital tool that links qualifications databases across Africa. It helps make qualifications clear, recognised, and mobile throughout the continent.

The platform was created to solve a key issue. When qualifications aren't visible or understood beyond borders, talented individuals miss out on opportunities. For example, a nurse trained in Ghana should find a job in Rwanda without having to redo their qualifications. Likewise, an engineering graduate from Egypt should confidently pursue further studies in South Africa, knowing their degree will be recognised. The QCP enables this mobility by providing a common reference point for all countries.

When you look up a qualification on the platform, you can trust that the info comes from official national sources and meets agreed standards. This verification is crucial for preventing credential fraud and keeping the platform trustworthy.

The QCP supports the goals of the African Continental Qualifications Framework (ACQF). It aims to boost mobility, expand educational and job opportunities, and encourage cooperation among African nations. The platform helps workforce development and economic growth in the continent by making qualifications clear and easy to compare.

 

How the platform works 

The QCP operates through a two-level system.

National level

Each participating country maintains its own qualifications database. Countries keep full ownership and control of their data. National authorities decide what information to share and when to update it.

Continental level

The QCP connects these national databases through a common data standard called the ACQF QCP data model. This allows users to search across all participating countries from a single platform. The platform does not replace national databases. Instead, it creates links between them, making it easier for users to find and compare qualifications from different African countries.

 

Who uses the QCP? 

The QCP serves a wide range of users across Africa.

Government officials and policy makers

For the first time, government officials and policy makers can access a continental view of qualifications. Previously, understanding how qualifications compared across African countries required extensive research. Now, policy makers can see how their national qualifications relate to those in neighbouring countries, making it easier to negotiate mutual recognition agreements. The platform also offers evidence-based information. Governments need this to make smart choices about education and skills development.

National qualifications authorities

National qualifications authorities, which manage credentials in each country, may find that the QCP makes their work much simpler. The platform offers standard tools that improve data management. It also allows for quick and reliable checks of foreign qualifications. The centralised system makes it easier to spot fake credentials. All real qualifications are stored in a trusted database.

Learners, job seekers and workers

For people who want to learn, upskill or reskill, the QCP opens doors that were previously difficult to access. To prove your qualifications to an employer or university, this platform offers an easy solution. If you're thinking about studying or working in another African country, you can see how your credentials will be viewed. You can also find out what extra qualifications may help you. The platform brings together information that was once spread across various national systems. This makes it easy for people to make informed decisions about their education and careers.

Employers and education providers

Employers checking the validity and level of qualifications and education providers comparing programmes and developing new qualifications both benefit from reliable, verified information from official national sources.

Want to learn more about the benefits of the QCP? See the interactive online course (Modules 1 and 2) and the QCP training manual (modules 1, 2 and 6).

 

Policy benefits 

The QCP supports several policy objectives across Africa:

  • Enhances mobility of learners and workers by making qualifications visible and comparable across borders
  • Increases transparency and builds trust through verified data from official national sources
  • Strengthens quality assurance and helps prevent credential fraud
  • Supports lifelong learning by showing clear development pathways
  • Helps align education outcomes with labour market needs
  • Facilitates recognition of qualifications across borders
  • Promotes cooperation between national qualifications authorities
  • Strengthens the international credibility of African education systems

 

Platform development and governance 

The QCP is developed and maintained under the ACQF programme, with an initial version launched at the end of 2024. The project involves ongoing technical support, capacity building, and expansion to additional countries across the continent.

The platform is designed for long-term sustainability. Governance structures are being established at three levels to ensure continued oversight and development after the initial project period:

  • Overall governance – decision-making on policies, membership and future development.
  • Operational governance – day-to-day running, promotion, quality control and user support.
  • Technical governance – technical maintenance, infrastructure upgrades, reliability and scalability.

Each governance structure is mirrored at national level to ensure distributed ownership whilst maintaining continental interoperability.

 

Principles guiding the platform 

  • Country ownership – National authorities maintain full control of their qualifications data.
  • Data quality – The platform supports high-quality, accurate and up-to-date information.
  • Accessibility – The platform is designed to be accessible to all users, including those using basic internet connections.
  • Multilingual support – Content is available in English, French and Portuguese to serve diverse African users.
  • Open standards – The platform uses internationally recognised standards and classifications to ensure interoperability.
  • Sustainability – Development focuses on solutions that countries can maintain and operate independently after the project ends.

 

Access the platform