Contribution to the development of National and Regional Qualifications Frameworks (NQFs/RQF) in ECOWAS Sub-Region: regional analysis and perspectives

This report argues that globalisation, technological advances, demographic pressures, social inequalities and the quest for sustainable development are creating a rising demand for technical and vocational education and training (TVET). As a consequence, the member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are seeking expert policy advice, knowledge and understanding about TVET and effective policies and strategies that can respond to labour market demands and support the transition between education and the world of work. To facilitate this, the Abuja Process was initiated in 2009 by the ECOWAS Commission, UNESCO and [United Nations Development Programme] UNDP. This led to the launch in 2010 of the Inter Agency Task Team (IATT) for the revitalisation of TVET in the ECOWAS sub-region. The IATT aims at providing operational support to countries in the sub-region and at becoming a driver of skills development initiatives and innovative partnerships that combine training with job creation, and by supporting the translation of TVET policy development into the implementation of strategies and concrete action plans for employment and poverty reduction. This report summarises the results of a technical, strategic and political process carried in 2011-2012 by the IATT. The objective of the process was to shed light on the main principles for the establishment of national (NQF) and regional (RQF) qualifications frameworks and to reflect on support for this activity. The study also aimed to promote the use of qualifications, and therefore qualifications frameworks, for the recognition of non-formal and informal learning outcomes. The report proposes policy guidelines and a road map for future intervention in this area.