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Launched in September 2019, the African Continental Qualifications Framework is an African Union policy initiative and continental reference framework designed to improve the transparency, comparability, recognition, and portability of qualifications and credentials across Africa. It is intended to operate alongside national and regional qualifications frameworks rather than replace them.
The framework consists of 10 reference levels and functions as a connector and translation mechanism among different qualifications frameworks and systems. Its areas of activity include referencing national and regional qualifications frameworks to the continental framework; recognition of prior learning; qualifications and credentials databases; common profiles of qualifications; support for national qualifications frameworks; networking and capacity development; and analysis, monitoring, and evaluation.
The framework encompasses different types and levels of learning and qualifications and is intended to support lifelong learning as well as the mobility of learners and workers. Current implementation activities also address microcredentials, digital qualifications, green and digital skills, and development of the Qualifications and Credentials Platform.
Countries participating include:
Development of the African Continental Qualifications Framework was launched in Fall 2019 at African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The initiative grew from African Union goals to strengthen education and skills systems, support academic integration and mobility across Africa, and advance the broader objectives of Agenda 2063 and the Continental Education Strategy for Africa.
The initial phase from 2019 through 2022 focused on designing the framework, mapping qualifications systems across Africa, developing policy and technical documentation, creating guidelines, and supporting capacity development. African Union member states validated the policy document in July 2023.
The second phase, running from 2023 through the end of 2026, focuses on implementation, sustainability, national and regional qualifications-framework development, referencing, and the Qualifications and Credentials Platform.
African Union initiative developed with African Union member states and regional economic communities.
The African Union Commission provides continental policy leadership.
The current implementation project is carried out by the European Training Foundation in cooperation with the African Union and national and regional qualifications authorities and stakeholders.
The current implementation phase, Support to the Implementation of the African Continental Qualifications Framework, is funded by the European Union and implemented by the European Training Foundation.
The project began in April 2023 and runs through the end of 2026. It is financed through the European Union's Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument — Global Europe.
The first phase of development was undertaken through the Skills Initiative for Africa and received support from the European Union and Germany.
African Continental Qualifications Framework — ACQF
African Continental Qualifications Framework Overview
African Continental Qualifications Framework Policy Document
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