Countries in East Africa, including Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania, have made tremendous progress to begin implementation of a harmonized technical and vocational education and training (TVET) system.
Members of the Technical Committee on Harmonisation of TVET Systems recently met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to develop the Regional Framework for Occupational Competency Assessment and Certification. In what is seen as an effort to promote regional integration and facilitating a more integrated labour market,
This follows the adoption of the Regional TVET Qualifications Framework, which strives to foster the mutual recognition of TVET qualifications among the three countries developed with funding from the World Bank through the East Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP).
The framework is part of the ongoing regional efforts to promote regional integration through harmonisation of TVET systems in the region, paving free movement of skilled labour in the region. With harmonised systems, TVET qualifications are expected to be recognized across all three countries.
Members of the Technical Committee on Harmonisation of TVET Qualifications after a meeting to develop the Regional Framework for Occupational Competency Assessment and Certification.
Speaking during the final round of the technical committee meeting the Regional Project Coordinator, Dr. Cosam Joseph, commended the committee for the tremendous progress towards establishing a standardized and harmonized system for assessing and certifying occupational competencies across East Africa.
“The establishment of a uniform system for assessing and certifying occupational competencies not only bolsters regional integration but also opens up opportunities for individuals with TVET qualifications to flourish in their respective fields, regardless of their country of origin,” Dr. Cosam said.
The harmonisation of TVET Systems complements efforts by the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) to harmonize higher education systems in the region. By aligning TVET systems, East African countries are moving towards full implementation of the EAC Common Higher Education Area declared by the Heads of State in May 2017.
Dr. Cosam Joseph emphasized that this harmonization effort would not only accelerate the economic growth of individual nations but also contribute to the overall prosperity of the East African region. He further added, “The mutual recognition of qualifications will facilitate the exchange of technical skills and knowledge, ultimately fostering job creation, increasing productivity, and bolstering regional competitiveness.”
The adoption of the Regional TVET Qualifications Framework and the ongoing development of the Regional Framework for Occupational Competency Assessment and Certification showcase the commitment of East African countries to promoting regional integration, enhancing labour mobility, and ensuring that the workforce is equipped with standardized and recognized skills.
By Godwin Bonge Muhwezi, The Project Communication Officer for EASTRIP at IUCEA.