Review of the Zambia Qualifications Framework (ZQF) - National Validation Workshop

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, internationalisation of education and lifelong learning, digitisation and the green transition, all necessitated the revitalisation of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) – the Zambia Qualifications Framework (ZQF), deliberately designed to 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 them 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.

Accordingly, 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 National Validation Workshop, scheduled for July 1-2, 2025, in Lusaka, follows the Technical Working Group meetings held in January and April 2025. It isco-organisedwiththeProject“SupportingImplementationoftheAfricanContinental Qualifications Framework” (ACQF-II). 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 National Validation Workshop will draw participants from policy makers (ministries), quality assurance agencies responsible for the three ZQF sub frameworks (appropriate authorities), education and training institutions, industry players/ employers, professional bodies, civil society organisations, students’ bodies, eminent qualifications experts, among others.

Objectives of the Workshop

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 National Validation Workshop is to consider and resolve stakeholder comments on the revised ZQF, and validate the entire NQF document. The validated revised ZQF will contribute 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 Workshop

The main output of the National Validation Workshop will be a validated revised 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; and

  • A NQF access, mobility and progression chart.

Day 1: 1 July 2025
Chair: ZAQA/ ACQF-II

Day2:2 July 2025
Chair: ZAQA/ ACQF-II