HEA, ZAQA Address Programme Gaps to End “Back-and-Forth” for Universities

HEA — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:39:40 +0000

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA) have moved to address one of the most persistent challenges faced by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) the back-and-forth between programme accreditation and qualification registration.

This was one of the key issues discussed during a joint engagement held on Thursday, 9^th April, 2026, in HEA’s Boardroom in Lusaka, aimed at enhancing coordination and ensuring both regulators speak with one voice.

HEA Director – Quality Assurance, Dr. Martin Mushumba, noted that HEIs have repeatedly raised concerns over situations where programmes approved by HEA are later returned by ZAQA for not meeting certain requirements.

This has often led to confusion among HEIs and raised questions from the public regarding the consistency of regulatory processes.

“If it should be good for one institution, it should be good for the other. And if it is good for both of us, then it is good for the sector,” Dr. Mushumba emphasised.

In response, ZAQA, through its Director – Qualification Services, Mr. Fedelis Cheelo, outlined some of the common gaps identified during qualification registration.

“These gaps include insufficient notional hours for programmes, weakly defined learning outcomes, limited stakeholder involvement in programme design, and misalignment between competencies and expected qualification levels,” Mr. Cheelo stated.

Both Authorities agreed on the need to strengthen alignment at the point of accreditation, ensuring that programmes meet the full requirements for registration before reaching ZAQA.

This approach is expected to significantly reduce delays and improve efficiency for institutions, while enhancing confidence in the higher education system.

The discussions reflect a shared understanding that quality assurance does not end at accreditation, but extends to ensuring that qualifications are recognised, registered, and aligned with national and international standards.

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HEA, ZAQA Deepen Collaboration in “One Government” Approach to Higher Education

HEA — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 08:44:06 +0000

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA) have reaffirmed their commitment to a unified regulatory approach, strengthening collaboration in the governance of higher education in Zambia.

This follows a strategic engagement held on Thursday, 9^th April, 2026, in HEA’s Boardroom in Lusaka, aimed at enhancing coordination, resolving operational grey areas, and ensuring that both regulators speak with one voice in guiding Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

Beyond the technical discussions, the meeting underscored a broader shift towards a “one government” approach, where institutions work collaboratively to deliver seamless services to the public.

Both institutions acknowledged that while their mandates are distinct, they are deeply interconnected, requiring continuous alignment to avoid duplication, contradictions, and confusion within the sector.

The engagement also set the stage for continued collaboration, with HEA invited to participate in a ZAQA-led stakeholder workshop scheduled for 21^st April, 2026, at Mulungushi International Conference Centre.

The upcoming workshop will bring together key players, including the Ministry of Education and TEVETA, to further harmonise processes around qualifications and standards.

The strengthened working relationship between HEA and ZAQA is expected to improve regulatory clarity for HEIs, enhance efficiency in programme approval and qualification recognition, provide consistent guidance to the public, and build greater trust in the higher education system.

As both institutions continue to engage, the focus remains clear, delivering a coordinated, efficient and responsive higher education system that works for the people of Zambia.