IGAD applauds exchange visit to SAQA as pivotal for advancing educational frameworks

By Daniel Dembede 

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has lauded a recent regional learning exchange visit to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), describing it as a significant eye-opener. 

The visit, which took place from September 3-5, 2024, involved a delegation from the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA), the Ministry of Education, Parliament, the Commission for University Education (CUE) and IGAD.

In a statement, IGAD emphasised that the exchange would significantly advance regional educational frameworks. National Assembly’s Education Committee Chairman Julius Melly highlighted the benchmarking event as crucial for implementing the IGAD Qualifications Framework (IGADQF).

Dr. Alice Kande, the KNQA Director General praised IGAD and SAQA for organising the benchmarking event. Kenya was the first IGAD member state to establish a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and an implementing authority.

“For this reason, KNQA was eager to learn from the experiences of African countries that have developed and implemented their own NQFs,” she said. 

South Africa was chosen for the exchange due to its early adoption of both an NQF and an implementing agency (SQA). Following Kenya, Ethiopia has become the second IGAD member state to endorse an NQF, with Uganda preparing to follow suit.

Dr. Kande explained that all IGAD member states are working on their NQFs, and IGAD must scale up support for the implementation of the IGADQF. Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, and Uganda participated in the learning exchange mission to SAQA, with plans to include Djibouti and Sudan in future missions.

The meeting, described as informative and participatory, achieved its objectives according to IGAD standards.

“This significant three-day event was designed to enhance the region’s National Qualifications Frameworks (NQFs) and foster a collective vision for Africa-centred leadership in educational excellence, providing quality and relevant education for all,” the statement said.

Discussions during the visit highlighted the importance of regional integration, governance, and lifelong learning in advancing quality education standards across IGAD member states.

Emphasising inclusive education, one participant remarked, “This is part of the Jua Kali movement; it is for those at the margins,” stressing the need to reach underserved and marginalised communities through flexible and accessible learning pathways.”