Botswana Qualifications Authority - BQA

𝐁𝐐𝐀 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐕𝐄𝐓.

Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA) recently conducted a virtual Capacity Building Workshop aimed at equipping Vice Chancellors, Principal Education Officers, and Quality Assurance Structures of Education and Training Providers (ETPs) with knowledge and understanding of the implementation of the newly approved Norms and Standards for Higher Education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

The workshop was delivered in two sessions, with the first session bringing together Higher Education institutions and the second session focusing on TVET providers. The engagements formed part of BQA's ongoing efforts to strengthen quality assurance systems and support institutions during the implementation of the new regulatory framework.

Officially opening the workshop, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ofentse Disang, underscored the significance of the initiative in advancing a quality-driven, accountable, and globally competitive education and training system. He emphasised the critical role of Education and Training Providers in ensuring the successful implementation of the Norms and Standards and reaffirmed BQA's commitment to supporting institutions throughout the transition process.

During the workshop, BQA provided an overview of the Norms and Standards for Higher Education and TVET, highlighting their role in strengthening institutional quality assurance systems, promoting compliance with regulatory requirements, enhancing accountability, and ensuring consistency in the provision of education and training across the sector.

During his focal address, Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Samuel Mosweu, outlined the implementation requirements and strategic expectations for institutions. He highlighted that the Norms and Standards offer a tailored, context-specific framework designed to address the distinct realities of Higher Education and TVET institutions, while closing critical gaps in quality assurance and strengthening sector-wide quality management practices.

Dr Mosweu further highlighted that the implementation of the Norms and Standards is intended to improve the quality, relevance, and responsiveness of education and training programmes to national development priorities and labour market needs. He also reiterated BQA's commitment to continuously capacitating Education and Training Providers and providing guidance and support throughout the implementation period to facilitate a smooth transition.

Participants welcomed the engagement and commended BQA for introducing dedicated Norms and Standards for Higher Education and TVET. Many stakeholders indicated that the development was long overdue and expressed appreciation for the Authority's efforts to provide clarity, guidance, and support during implementation.
The workshop provided an opportunity for BQA and Education and Training Providers to engage on key implementation issues, clarify expectations, and strengthen collaboration in promoting quality assurance across the sector.

The engagement reaffirmed BQA's commitment to working closely with stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the Norms and Standards and to build a credible, responsive, and quality-driven education and training system that supports Botswana's national development aspirations.

𝐁𝐐𝐀 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐑𝐃𝐂 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭.

Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA) and the Botswana Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) held a collaborative engagement yesterday to strengthen cooperation on matters relating to qualifications, education and training quality assurance, and skills development in Botswana.

During the engagement, BQA presented the recently approved Norms and Standards for the Recognition of Higher Education Institutions and the Norms and Standards for the Recognition of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Institutions and Awarding Bodies. The presentations highlighted the role of these frameworks in enhancing quality assurance, institutional recognition, and consistency across the education and training sector.

BQA also shared insights on the newly approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Framework, emphasizing its importance in promoting lifelong learning, widening access to qualifications, and recognising skills and competencies acquired through non-formal and informal learning. Discussions explored the role that HRDC could play in supporting the implementation and uptake of RPL across sectors.

HRDC, in turn, presented on the Priority Skills Report, outlining critical and emerging skills requirements across the economy. The discussion focused on the report’s implications for qualifications development, curriculum design, and the development of learning programmes that respond to current and future labour market needs.

The engagement provided an opportunity for both institutions to exchange perspectives, identify areas of collaboration, and strengthen alignment between skills planning, qualifications development, and workforce development initiatives.

The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of BQA and HRDC to working together to ensure that Botswana’s education and training system remains responsive, relevant, and capable of supporting national development and economic transformation goals.

Access the updated list of qualifications registered on the National Credit and Qualifications Framework (NCQF).

View the list here:
https://www.bqa.org.bw/registered-qualifications

𝐁𝐐𝐀 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨-𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬

Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA) today held an induction programme for newly appointed Co-opted Board Committee Members, marking an important step in supporting the Authority’s governance and oversight structures.

The induction session introduced members to BQA’s mandate, while providing insight into the Authority’s role in assuring the quality and relevance of education and training in Botswana.

The programme brought together newly appointed Board Committees members, including the Quality Assurance and Framework Maintenance Committee, Strategy Committee, Audit and Finance Committee, Appeals Committee, Governance, Risk and Compliance Committee, and the Human Resource and Nominations Committee.

• Mr. Kagiso Bafentse joins the Board Quality Assurance and Framework Maintenance Committee for his first term.

• Returning members includes Dr. Tebogo Collier Makolobe, Mr. Bakan Ever Borupile, Ms. Masego Pheto-Lentswe, Mr. Thato Mike Rasetshwane, Mr. Letshego Moeng and Ms. Kagiso Khutsafalo, all of whom have been reappointed to serve additional terms on their respective committees.

• Ms. Lesego Maedza is reappointed to the Board Human Resource and Nominations Committee.

Throughout the day, members received presentations on BQA’s Strategy 2026–2030, Quality Assurance functions, Institutional Audits, the National Credit and Qualifications Framework Services (NCQFs), Business Development, Finance and Administration, Communications and Public Relations, Risk and Compliance, Internal Audit, and the role of the Board Secretariat.

Acting Chief Executive Officer Mr. Ofentse Disang gave an overview of the BQA mandate and spoke on the important role played by the Board and its Committees in guiding the Authority’s strategic direction and ensuring effective governance in support of BQA’s mandate. Dr Samuel Mosweu, in his capacity as Acting Deputy CEO gave an overview on the Core business of the Authority.

The induction provided an opportunity for members to engage with management, gain a deeper understanding of the Authority’s operations and explore how their expertise can contribute to advancing quality education and training outcomes for Botswana.

𝐁𝐐𝐀 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐮𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐛𝐲 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢-𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐮𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭

Botswana Qualifications Authority today hosted a sensitisation engagement led by the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) under the Ministry of Higher Education, Botswana , aimed at strengthening awareness on corruption prevention, ethical leadership and accountability within public institutions and the higher education sector.

The engagement provided a platform for open dialogue on corruption risks in the workplace and reinforced the importance of prevention, detection and reporting mechanisms in safeguarding institutional integrity and public trust.

The session featured a presentation by Mr. Peter Mafokate, who shared insights on corruption prevention, ethical conduct and the importance of accountability within both the workplace and the public service.

Speaking during the engagement, Acting Chief Executive Officer of BQA, Mr. Ofentse Disang, emphasised that BQA’s regulatory mandate requires continuous vigilance, strong internal controls and a sustained culture of integrity to mitigate corruption risks and protect institutional credibility.

The engagement reaffirmed a shared commitment by the Ministry and BQA to a zero-tolerance approach to corruption and to strengthening governance systems across public institutions.

NEWLY DEVELOPED NORMS AND STANDARDS TO STRENGTHEN EDUCATION QUALITY

Botswana Qualifications Authority recently engaged the public through the Education Forum to unpack the newly developed Norms and Standards for Higher Education and TVET institutions.

The standards are designed to strengthen quality assurance systems, enhance institutional accountability, and protect learners by ensuring that education providers meet approved quality requirements.

According to the Acting Deputy CEO Dr Samuel Mosweu:
“The introduction of the Norms and Standards represents a transformative milestone in reshaping our education system and ensuring it responds to evolving national and international demands.”

Manager, Communications and PR, Ms Letlhogonolo Paulo added:

“The standards help ensure that learners enrol in recognised institutions that offer quality education and training, protecting them from poor-quality provision.”

Key focus areas include governance, quality management systems, infrastructure, staffing, learner support, and continuous improvement.

These standards aim to build a more credible, accountable, and responsive education and training system in Botswana.

𝐑𝐁𝟏 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦: BQA on Norms and Standards

to Radio Botswana1 (RB1) Education Forum today (26 May 2026) at 1910hrs as Botswana Qualifications Authority shares insights on the development of Norms and Standards for Higher Education and TVET.

This engagement forms part of the Authority’s ongoing stakeholder outreach initiatives aimed at promoting awareness, dialogue, and shared understanding within the education and training sector.

For detailed advert, please log on to:https://www.bqa.org.bw/sites/default/files/2026-05/Tender%20No.%20BQA%20PR003_2026-2027%20%26%20BQA%20PR008_2026-2027.pdf

Botswana Qualifications Authority today hosted a high-level consultative engagement with the Ministry of Higher Education, Botswana on key developments shaping Botswana’s education and qualifications sector.

The Ministry delegation was led by Permanent Secretary Professor Richard Tabulawa, accompanied by Deputy Permanent Secretary – TVET Professor Agreement Jotia and Acting DPS (Higher Education) Yolinda Baletloa.

Discussions focused on the implementation of the Norms and Standards framework, the National Credit and Qualifications Framework (NCQF), and broader initiatives aimed at strengthening quality assurance and supporting a future-ready education and training system.

The engagement reaffirmed the importance of collaboration in advancing quality, relevance, and credibility within Botswana’s qualifications landscape.