July 25, 2025 (Machakos, Kenya): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) conducted a Regional Capacity-Building Training on the IGAD Qualifications Framework. The main purpose of the Training include to operationalize the implementation of the Qualifications Framework and to support the National Qualifications frameworks development. The Training took place from July 22 to 24, 2025, in Machakos, Kenya,
The specific objectives of the three days Capacity Building Training include to equip participants with the technical knowledge and strategic insight to advance national and regional priorities in qualification reform, policy implementation, and institutional capacity building.
Speaking on behalf of the Ambassador Moussa Ali Meigague, Acting Director of the Health and Social Development Division, Dr Victoria Anib, Head of Social Development unit, IGAD, emphasised that the IGADQF serves as a testament to our shared vision of fostering regional integration through standardised qualifications.
Dr. Victoria added that the IGAD’s aspiration is a Qualification Framework that it considers inclusivity, reflecting the diverse needs of our population, including women, youth, refugees, and persons with disabilities. “By aligning our educational and vocational systems, we aim to facilitate the mobility of learners and professionals, ensuring that skills and competencies are recognized and valued across borders,” she added.
Mr. Abdi Aden, Representing the Higher Education, Republic of Kenya, on his part, expressed his appreciations to IGAD and thanks to all the member states, training participants and trainers for their strong commitment and active engagement throughout the training.
On behalf of Mr. Samatar Natali, Project Manager of the SIMPI Project, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, Mr. Patrick Nabwel, Advisor – Jobs, Livelihoods and Self-Reliance, Strengthening IGAD Migration Policy Implementation Project, highlighted the SIMPI supports IGAD and its Member States in strengthening regional migration governance through practical and policy-oriented interventions.
He also explained that the IGADQF helps to create a regional space where knowledge and skills are recognized, where mobility is enabled, and where education systems are aligned with people’s real-life experiences and aspirations.” Together with IGAD and SIMPI, we are committed to continuing this important work, and we have laid, and to translate frameworks into tangible benefits for learners, institutions, and systems across the region,” he said
Dr Kebede Kassa Tsegaye, Senior Coordinator of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Program stressed that the development of the IGADQF is a key pillar of this effort, aligning with regional commitments such as the Djibouti Declaration and the Kampala Declaration, and contributing to broader efforts to build inclusive and resilient systems for human mobility and recognition of skills.
According to Dr Kebede, the Capacity-Building Training Workshop is a strategic initiative under the IGAD-GIZ collaboration to support the Development, implementation, and harmonization of National Qualifications Frameworks across the IGAD region.” this workshop uses a competency based approach to ensure that qualifications are relevant, outcome-based, and responsive to labour market demands.” He stressed.
The Capacity Building Training is part of the IGADQF component of the SIMPI Project—Strengthening IGAD’s Migration Policy Implementation, commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany and implemented by GIZ.
Subsequently, the Training resulted in strengthening the regional trainees’ understanding of the IGADQF and its implementation roadmap, explores practical policy tools, and shaped the next steps at national and regional level. It also marked the culmination of a consultancy process that has engaged each Member State to assess their current status, map gaps, and offer tailored support.
It is to be recalled that the IGAD Regional Qualifications Framework is one of the five key deliverables of the Djibouti Declaration (2017), the implementation of which is tasked to IGAD to lead. After years of advocacy, broad-based consultation, experts’ input, partnerships building, the IGADQF has been adopted in May 2024 in Entebbe, Uganda.
