SADC members seek qualifications harmonisation

The Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA) has emphasised the importance of mutual recognition of qualifications across SADC member states in enabling professionals to work freely and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the region. Board Chairperson,…

The Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA) has emphasised the importance of mutual recognition of qualifications across SADC member states in enabling professionals to work freely and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the region.

Board Chairperson, Victor Zulu, has observed that Zambia’s universities attract students from several SADC countries, noting that many, however face challenges as they are subjected to further examinations and assessments back in their countries, before recognition.

 Professor Zulu has explained that such bottlenecks hinder regional integration and professional growth, adding that similar challenges affect graduates from other countries seeking employment elsewhere in SADC.

He has stressed that harmonising qualifications across the region is therefore essential to remove such obstacles and allow graduates to work freely.

The ZAQA Board Chairperson said this when he opened a 3-day SADC Qualifications Framework Technical Working Group workshop in Lusaka, being attended by representatives of Qualifications Authorities from member states.

“So we are here also to look at the guidelines that will make it easy for our qualifications and national occupational standards to be recognised in the region”, Professor Zulu stressed.

Speaking at the same meeting, Chairperson of the SADCQF TWG who is also Chief Director of South Africa’s Department of Higher Education and Training, Philip Tshabalala, echoed similar sentiments, affirming his country’s commitment to the cause.

He pledged South Africa’s strong support for the SADCQF, further assuring of South Africa’s the country’s readiness to collaborate both within the region and across the continent.

He highlighted that South Africa was well positioned to contribute to the framework’s advancement, noting that it had championed this agenda through its leadership of the G20 Education Working Group in 2025.

“We have got the Ministry or the Department of Basic Education colleagues here. We have got the colleagues also from the Ministry of Higher Education and Training and our very own South African Qualifications Authority. And so we really want to welcome the SADCQF”, he indicated.

And speaking earlier, ZAQA Director General, Mercy Ngoma, explained that participants would review the portfolio of SADCQF activities for 2026 and 2027, share developments from member states, and advance regional guidance on referencing.

She added that governance, funding, and capacity renovations would also be considered.

Ms Ngoma noted that ZAQA had deliberately extended invitations to the Examinations Council of Zambia, TEVETA, and the Higher Education Authority to ensure Zambia contributed an integrated national perspective.