Kenya is set to host the 3rd Africa Continental Qualifications Framework (ACQF-III) Training Forum in Nairobi from October 1 to 4, 2024. The event will be held at the Hotel Fairview and will see the participation of delegates from over 20 African countries and four economic regions. This forum marks the second time Kenya has hosted the ACQF training forum, following a successful workshop held in 2023.
The ACQF is a strategic initiative of the African Union (AU), aiming to enhance continental integration through education and training, facilitating the free movement of people and fostering trade across Africa. The European Union supports the project as part of its broader collaboration with Africa in promoting education and skills recognition. The primary objective of the ACQF is to improve mobility and lifelong learning opportunities for African youth by enhancing the comparability and transparency of qualifications, recognition of skills and diplomas, and fostering mutual trust and information sharing among qualification frameworks across the continent.
Focus on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
The upcoming forum in Nairobi will concentrate on training practitioners in the recognition of prior learning (RPL). RPL is a critical component of the ACQF’s mission, as it provides a framework for recognizing skills, knowledge, and competencies acquired through informal and non-formal learning experiences, often in practical work settings that are not traditionally accredited by formal educational institutions.
Kenya is already leading by example in implementing RPL policies. The Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA), which plays a pivotal role in organizing the forum, launched the RPL policy in March 2024. This policy aims to bridge the gap between informal skills acquisition and formal recognition, providing a credible system for validating competencies that individuals have gained outside formal education settings. It also facilitates transitions between the education system and the labor market, supporting multi-entry and exit opportunities and helping individuals move from informal to formal employment sectors.
According to KNQA Director General Dr. Alice Kande, Kenya’s active role in ACQF reflects the country’s commitment to enhancing education and skills recognition in Africa. “We are proud to host this forum again as it underscores Kenya’s leadership in implementing the ACQF,” said Dr. Kande. The forum will feature both in-person and virtual sessions, allowing a broader range of participation from across the continent.
Key Objectives and Training Areas
The Nairobi forum will delve into various aspects of RPL, including its role in lifelong learning policies, the theories underpinning RPL, practical approaches to implementing RPL, quality assurance processes, and step-by-step guidance on RPL procedures. It will also focus on Kenya’s specific policies and practices regarding RPL.
The forum’s objectives include exploring how RPL can contribute to the overall goals of the ACQF, such as enhancing the recognition and comparability of qualifications across Africa. This will be achieved through training, dialogue, and peer-to-peer sharing forums, where participants can exchange knowledge and best practices.
Enhancing Continental Collaboration
The ACQF is a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders, including the African Union, African countries, Regional Economic Communities, and various National Qualifications Frameworks (NQFs). The African Union and the European Training Foundation (ETF) are spearheading the implementation of the ACQF-II project, which supports the development of innovative tools such as qualifications and credentials platforms, RPL campaigns, and labor market intelligence tools.
These initiatives aim to promote transparency, comparability, and recognition of qualifications across the continent. By fostering collaboration between NQFs and aligning them with the ACQF, the project seeks to create a more integrated and cohesive system of qualifications that supports lifelong learning and improves employability for African youth.
Kenya’s role in hosting the ACQF-III forum underscores its commitment to advancing education and skills recognition in Africa, setting a precedent for other nations to follow. As the continent continues to strive for greater integration and development, initiatives like the ACQF are essential in building a robust foundation for the future of education and workforce development in Africa.
