Botswana Qualifications Authority BQA

Overview

The Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA) is a statutory body established under the Botswana Qualifications Authority Act No. 24 of 2013. It serves as the national agency responsible for overseeing the development, implementation and maintenance of the National Credit and Qualifications Framework (NCQF) in Botswana. The BQA's mandate encompasses coordinating quality assurance across all levels of education and training, including General Education (GE), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Higher Education (HE), ensuring that qualifications are nationally and internationally recognized and aligned with the country's developmental goals.

History and Legal Framework

Initially known as the Botswana Training Authority, the organization was restructured and renamed to the Botswana Qualifications Authority in 2013 following the enactment of the Botswana Qualifications Authority Act No. 24 of 2013. This legislative change formalized the BQA's role in establishing and maintaining the NCQF, thereby centralizing the regulation and quality assurance of qualifications across all education and training sectors in Botswana. The Act empowers the BQA to register and accredit Education and Training Providers (ETPs) and awarding bodies, ensuring compliance with established standards and criteria.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

The BQA's mission is to develop, implement and maintain the NCQF and to coordinate Botswana's education, training and skills development quality assurance system for the benefit of all stakeholders. Its vision is to be a catalyst for the development of a world-class education and training environment for learners. The BQA's objectives include:

• Ensuring the quality and relevance of qualifications offered in Botswana.
• Facilitating the recognition of qualifications both nationally and internationally.
• Supporting lifelong learning and the progression of learners through various levels of education and training.
• Promoting equity and access to quality education and training opportunities.

Governance, Structure and Independence

The BQA operates as a state-owned enterprise under the Ministry of Education and Skills Development. Its governance structure comprises a 13-member Board of Directors, including an independent chairperson, as stipulated by the Botswana Qualifications Authority Act. The Board is responsible for policy oversight and strategic direction, ensuring that the BQA operates effectively and in alignment with its mandate. The organization is structured into divisions that focus on different education sectors, including the Higher Education Division, which specifically addresses quality assurance in higher education institutions and programs.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

The BQA plays a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity and quality of higher education in Botswana through its accreditation and quality assurance processes. It registers and accredits higher education institutions and awarding bodies, ensuring that they meet established standards and criteria. The Higher Education Division within the BQA is tasked with coordinating the quality assurance system for higher education, focusing on institutions and programs that offer qualifications from NCQF Level 6 to 10. This includes conducting institutional audits, program evaluations and monitoring compliance with quality assurance standards.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The BQA is actively involved in international collaborations to enhance the recognition and comparability of Botswana's qualifications. It is a member of the African Continental Qualifications Framework (ACQF) and engages with various regional and international bodies to align its frameworks and practices with global standards. This involvement facilitates the mobility of learners and professionals and supports the international recognition of Botswana's qualifications.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

In recent developments, the BQA has re-engineered its operations to enhance efficiency and responsiveness. This includes delegating certain decision-making functions to management and streamlining processes to improve turnaround times for accreditation and registration applications. These reforms aim to address legislative gaps and ensure that education and training providers comply with quality assurance standards, thereby strengthening the overall higher education landscape in Botswana. The BQA's ongoing efforts are expected to contribute to the development of a more robust and internationally recognized higher education system.

Summary

The Botswana Qualifications Authority is a central institution in Botswana's education and training sector, tasked with ensuring the quality and relevance of qualifications through the NCQF. Established by the Botswana Qualifications Authority Act No. 24 of 2013, the BQA operates with a clear mandate to coordinate quality assurance across all education levels. Its governance structure, strategic objectives and involvement in international networks underscore its commitment to enhancing the education system. Through continuous reforms and adherence to quality standards, the BQA aims to positively impact the higher education sector, fostering an environment conducive to learning and development.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Botswana Qualifications Authority?
  The Botswana Qualifications Authority is a statutory body responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of the National Credit and Qualifications Framework in Botswana, coordinating quality assurance across all levels of education and training.
• When was the Botswana Qualifications Authority established?
  The BQA was established in 2013 under the Botswana Qualifications Authority Act No. 24 of 2013, which restructured the previous Botswana Training Authority.
• What is the National Credit and Qualifications Framework?
  The NCQF is a system that regulates the development, registration and award of qualifications in Botswana, providing a comprehensive framework that includes all education and training sectors and allows for the comparison of qualifications.
• How does the BQA ensure the quality of higher education?
  The BQA ensures quality by registering and accrediting higher education institutions and awarding bodies, conducting institutional audits and monitoring compliance with established quality assurance standards.
• Is the BQA involved in international collaborations?
  Yes, the BQA is a member of the African Continental Qualifications Framework and engages with various regional and international bodies to align its frameworks and practices with global standards.

Organization Name

Botswana Qualifications Authority

Acronym

BQA

Year of Establishment

1/01/2013

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Plot :66450 , Block 7; P/Bag BO 340
Gaborone
Gaborone Botswana

Phone

+267 365 7200

Fax

395 2301

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Botswana Qualifications Authority's Facebook page

X (Twitter)

Botswana Qualifications Authority's X page

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Not available

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