On August 20, 2024, Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA) hosted a high-level delegation from Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) for a benchmarking exercise aimed at strengthening collaboration between the two institutions. Led by NQA Council Chairperson Dr. Romanus Shivoro, the delegation included Ms. Valerie Garises, a Council Member, and Mr. Cornelius Verwey, the Company Secretary and Legal Advisor.
The visit underscored BQA’s role as a leader in quality assurance within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The NQA sought to learn from BQA’s established governance models and quality assurance methodologies, with the aim of adopting similar practices to enhance their own operations.
This visit was a significant moment for BQA, as it underscored the Authority's role as a leader in quality assurance in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The NQA delegation’s visit was centred on adopting effective governance models and methodologies to advance NQA’s service delivery. The focus of their discussions with BQA was comprehensive, covering a wide range of operational aspects that contribute to the successful implementation of BQA’s mandate.
Discussions during the visit focused on key aspects of BQA’s governance and management structure, which have enabled the Authority to effectively oversee qualifications and ensure the quality of training institutions. Dr. Shivoro emphasized the importance of learning from BQA, describing it as a leading institution in the region.
The delegation explored how BQA’s systems ensure training institutions meet both national and international standards. The focus was on governance frameworks and decision-making processes, which have been pivotal in establishing BQA as a standout institution in Southern Africa.
Central to the discussions were the methodologies BQA employs to evaluate training institutions and maintain high standards of quality assurance. The delegation gained insight into BQA’s systematic processes, which are integral to ensuring the credibility of Botswana’s education and training sector.
NQA representatives expressed their intention to refine their quality assurance frameworks using BQA’s practices as a model. This acknowledgment highlights the high level of professionalism and commitment demonstrated by BQA Board, Management and staff in maintaining quality across the education sector.
The delegation was also introduced to the innovative business processes BQA has adopted to enhance service delivery. These processes, designed to meet the evolving needs of the education sector, have positioned BQA as a forward-thinking organisation within the region.
Another significant aspect of the visit was the exchange of knowledge on the development of National Qualifications Frameworks (NQF). Both BQA and NQA play crucial roles in advancing NQFs within their respective countries, contributing to a more unified and integrated regional framework. This collaboration aims to ensure that qualifications across the SADC region are comparable, credible, and widely recognized.
BQA Chief Executive Officer Prof. Botsalano Mosimakoko highlighted the longstanding relationship between the two Authority’s and described the visit as a two-way learning experience. She thanked the NQA delegation for their commitment to strengthening ties and noted that such exchanges provide valuable opportunities for growth and reflection.
The visit reinforced the importance of collaboration, not just for external recognition, but also for refining internal processes and enhancing service delivery. The exchange of best practices and insights will not only strengthen the work of both regulators but also contribute to the advancement of education in Southern Africa.