News & Events
Shaping futures: PoMiSA conference advances micro-credentials in Southern Africa
PRESS RELEASE - Higher Education Commission Mauritius - 25 November 2025
The Potential of Micro-Credentials in Southern Africa (PoMiSA) International Conference, hosted by the Higher Education Commission Mauritius, brought together higher education leaders, policymakers, regulators, and international partners from SADC countries and Europe from 14–16 October 2025. Funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, PoMiSA aims to strengthen the design, recognition, and portability of micro-credentials within the SADC region.
The conference theme, “Shaping Futures: Global Connections and Collaborations for the Implementation of Micro-Credentials in Southern Africa,” facilitated three days of structured engagement focused on aligning national policies, advancing quality assurance mechanisms, and integrating digital systems to support lifelong learning.
The event opened with remarks from Prof (Dr) Romeela Mohee, Commissioner of the Higher Education Commission Mauritius, followed by a presentation by Dr James Keevy, Chief Executive Officer of JET Education Services. The conference was marked by an inspiring keynote address from The Honourable Dr. Kaviraj Sharma Sukon, Minister of Tertiary Education, Science and Research of Mauritius, whose insightful remarks highlighted the transformative potential of micro-credentials in reshaping the higher education landscape.
Contributions from more than 70 delegates representing national and international partners addressed the current state of play across PoMiSA countries, highlighting progress and policy lessons emerging from the seven participating nations – Mauritius, South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Estonia, Flanders/Belgium, and Ireland. The conference also featured professional development workshops on programme design, recognition of learning, and digital credential tracking. An industry-led panel explored how micro-credentials can support workforce development and create clearer pathways for employment and promotion.
A significant focus was placed on the creation of national multi-stakeholder working groups to continue the collaborative work of PoMiSA and guide its future direction. These groups play a central role in aligning institutional initiatives with national qualifications frameworks and regional priorities in the years ahead.
The inclusion of microcredentials in national systems, including National Qualifications Frameworks (NQFs), was debated by participants, with a strong preference for some forms of microcredentials that meet minimum quality assurance standards to be considered by countries.
The conference reaffirmed that micro-credentials are portable and stackable learning opportunities that bridge formal and non-formal systems, expanding access, recognition, and mobility for learners and workers across the region.
“Through PoMiSA, we are laying the groundwork for countries across Southern Africa to exchange experiences, harmonise frameworks, and build confidence in one another’s systems.” stated Professor Romeela Mohee, CSK, Commissioner, Higher Education Commission Mauritius.
For more information, visit https://pomisa.hec.mu
Group photo : Opening Ceremony
Group photo : International Countries
Group Photo : PoMiSA Members (Mauritian)
Call for Nominations: National Working Group on Microcredentials Nominations
Open: 13 – 24 September 2025
The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and the University of South Africa (UNISA), under the Erasmus+ funded PoMiSA Project, are establishing South Africa’s National Working Group on Microcredentials.
This multi-stakeholder Working Group will:
We invite nominations from:
Deadline for nominations: 24 September 2025
Apply here (Tier 2 open call): https://forms.gle/m6xDyKV4pxM4FMUe7
More information:
PoMiSA Consultative Forum: Towards a microcredentials framework for Southern Africa
Towards a Microcredentials Framework for Southern Africa: Learning from an Interregional Consultation
The interregional consultative forum was held in a hybrid format on 13 March 2025 at the National Research Foundation in Pretoria, South Africa, allowing for both in-person and virtual participation. As part of Work Package 3 of the PoMiSA Project, the forum brought together regional and international stakeholders to examine existing policies, frameworks, and strategies that could guide the SADC region in its approach to microcredentials. The forum served as a platform to share insights, discuss challenges and opportunities, and lay the groundwork for a harmonised and inclusive regional framework that supports quality, recognition, and mobility of microcredentials across Southern Africa.
Summary Note on an Interregional Consultation for a Southern African Regional Framework on Microcredentials
This report presents key outcomes of an interregional consultation to develop a Regional Framework on Microcredentials for Southern Africa. It draws on findings from a desktop review, expert interviews, and a consultative forum under the PoMiSA Project. The report highlights diverse definitions, challenges, and opportunities, emphasising the need for standardisation, quality assurance, and cross-border recognition. Based on global best practices, it proposes core elements for an inclusive regional framework that supports skills development, mobility, and economic growth.
Progress with regulatory frameworks for micro-credentials – University World News
