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African countries are embracing national qualifications frameworks (NQFs) to integrate new competencies in TVET and to strengthen recognition of formal, non-formal and informal learning.
Many African countries have implemented or are in the process of implementing NQFs to shift from ‘knowledge-based’ to ‘competency-based’ curricula and to integrate new qualifications and competencies into their training. Of 41 African countries examined by the African Continental Qualifications Framework mapping study in 2021, 22 had already approved NQFs, 8 were in the process of developing NQFs, and 8 were planning to develop an NQF. Only 3 countries had no NQF. (ACQF 2021)
Qualification frameworks promote the transparency and recognition of new and existing qualifications and competencies by classifying them according to set criteria and levels. They also facilitate recognition of prior learning (RPL) processes to validate skills acquired informally or non-formally through competency-based assessments. RPL is a key policy priority in Africa to create pathways to further education and decent employment for the large proportion of young people and adults who have gained skills outside the formal education system. (ILO 2019)
Comprehensive qualification frameworks, which integrate all academic and vocational qualifications in a single framework, have been found to provide learners with strong pathways to further education via both the academic and vocational tracks. (ILO 2019)
According to TVET experts consulted in 2021, comprehensive qualification frameworks can also raise the standing of TVET qualifications. (BILT scoping study of current TVET trends in Africa carried out in 2021)
“Recognition of prior learning outcomes is at the top of the policy agenda in many countries in Africa”
(ILO 2019)
Training to integrate RPL tools that assess competencies, based on evidence and the portfolio of candidates, is required. Such recognition should include an assessment of students’ lifelong learning skills and self-efficacy, both pre-requisites in the 21st century marketplace.
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Capacity constraints and negative perceptions have limited the positive impacts of NQFs and RPL processes in Africa.
Challenge
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Capacity constraints and negative perceptions have limited the positive impacts of NQFs and RPL processes in Africa.
Owing to technical capacity constraints, some African countries have adopted foreign qualification frameworks without adapting them to their local context and needs. This has constrained TVET stakeholders’ capacity to apply the frameworks to achieve desired outcomes. (ILO 2019)
Financial and human resource capacity constraints have prevented countries such as South Africa from implementing RPL on a larger scale, despite having enabling legislation and policies in place. The high costs of assessment and limited availability of trained staff and assessment centres focusing on RPL have been cited as the main barriers. (UIL 2013)
Perceptions that learning outcomes obtained through formal education are superior to those attained via informal or non-formal learning have limited pathways available to individuals who have undergone RPL processes. A focused communications strategy highlighting the benefits of informal and non-formal learning in the context of lifelong learning is needed to improve social perceptions. (UIL 2013)
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Strengthening and harmonizing qualifications frameworks across Africa could support the region's aim of becoming a global powerhouse while supporting labour mobility and promoting inclusive growth
Opportunity
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Strengthening and harmonizing qualifications frameworks across Africa could support the region's aim of becoming a global powerhouse while supporting labour mobility and promoting inclusive growth
The successful development and implementation of an African Continental Qualifications Framework (ACQF) would enable employers in Africa to recruit the skilled workers they need, regardless of where they live, and could generate an additional $150 billion in regional income, boost productivity and lift 50 million people out of extreme poverty by 2035. (World Bank 2022)
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), launched in January 2021, is the world's largest tree trade area and offers African businesses access to an expanded market for selling their products. Implementation of the AfCFTA is expected to improve both the quantity and quality of work available in Africa, with millions of decent jobs being generated, especially in manufacturing, and wages increasing by nearly 10% by 2035, with larger wage gains among women and other vulnerable groups. (ACET 2022)
However, to reap the potential benefits of the AfCFTA, African counties must take action to improve their citizens' labour mobility by ensuring that they develop the right skills in the right places at the right time. They must not only invest in strengthening their own qualifications systems but also cooperate with other counties to aggregate information on the skills that are available and required and to harmonize and benchmark their qualifications frameworks and RPL processes. (eLearning Africa 2022)
The main objectives of the ACQF are to:
UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre
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UN Campus, Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1
53113 Bonn, Germany
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The BILT project is implemented by
with support of
and sponsored by
UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre
for Technical and Vocational Education and Training
UN Campus, Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1
53113 Bonn, Germany
Contact
Data privacy statement | Contacts | © UNESCO-UNEVOC
