Speakers: African Continental Qualifications Framework (ACQF)
Delivering the new skills agenda for transformation and jobs
This high-level dialogue, convened by the ETF with the African Union Commission and the African Continental Qualifications Framework (ACQF) Network, will explore how strategic investment can strengthen African capabilities by developing the skills, institutions and qualifications systems needed for industrial transformation and quality jobs.
Alice Wairimu Kande
Director General and CEO | Kenya National Qualifications Authority
Alice Wairimu Kande has been Director General and CEO of the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) since December 2022. Since April 2025, she has also served in the Troika presidency of the Africa Continental Qualifications Framework Network, alongside the South African and Zambian qualifications authorities. Her career spans academia, research and public administration, including as founding Head of the Business Department at Riara University and as a senior researcher at the Commission for University Education.
She holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
Stanley Kiptis
Chairperson | Kenya National Qualifications Authority
Stanley Kiptis is Non-Executive Chairperson of the Council of the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA), where he provides strategic direction for the Kenya National Qualifications Framework. Under his leadership, KNQA has introduced policies on recognition of prior learning and credit transfer, and has referenced the national framework to the African Continental Qualifications Framework (ACQF) and aligned to the European Qualifications Framework.
A career educationist and former teacher, he previously served as Governor of Baringo County from 2017 to 2022 and held senior roles in the Kenya National Union of Teachers.
Hervé Kisula
Executive Vice President | Club BTP&CMA, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Hervé Kisula is Executive Vice President of Club BTP&CMA, a non-profit organisation which brings together the private sector, public institutions and development partners across construction, public works, mining and quarrying in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). His work focuses on connecting industry needs with skills development, promoting industry-aligned vocational training and cooperation between companies and training institutions.
He also sits on several company boards and helps foreign companies establish themselves in the DRC.
Esther Thaara Muoria
Principal Secretary, State Department for Technical, Vocational Education and Training | Ministry of Education, Kenya
Esther Thaara Muoria is Kenya's Principal Secretary for Technical, Vocational Education and Training, leading reforms that link skills development to economic opportunity. Her work has advanced competency-based education and training, modular curricula, recognition of prior learning and dual training, guided by a philosophy of training from, with and for industry. Working with the Kenya National Qualifications Authority, she supports national and continental qualifications frameworks and the cross-border recognition of skills.
She holds a PhD in Human Resources from JKUAT and a master's in Gender and Development from the University of Nairobi.
Mercy M. Ngoma
Director General | Zambia Qualifications Authority
Mercy M. Ngoma is Director General of the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA), where she leads implementation of the National Qualifications Framework and promotes the local and international recognition of Zambian qualifications. A chartered accountant with over 26 years of professional experience, she previously served as ZAQA's Director of Finance and Corporate Services and held senior roles at WaterAid Zambia and Southern Water and Sewerage Company.
She holds an MBA from Heriot-Watt University and is a Fellow of ACCA.
Jean Van Wetter
Chief Executive Officer | Enabel
Jean Van Wetter is CEO of Enabel, Belgium's agency for international cooperation, which manages over 200 projects and programmes in 21 countries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Over 25 years at the intersection of strategy, international cooperation and organisational transformation, he has previously worked as a strategy consultant at Arthur Andersen and served as Director General of Handicap International.
He sits on the Board of the Egmont Royal Institute for International Relations and has twice co-chaired the Practitioners' Network for European Development Cooperation.
Eva Vyncke
Team Lead Port Labour | Port of Antwerp-Bruges International, Belgium
Eva Vyncke is Team Lead Port Labour at Port of Antwerp-Bruges International (PoABI), where she leads international projects to strengthen port labour systems and develop skills for the port and logistics sector. Her work includes setting up training centres, professionalising dockworker management and developing port skills programmes tailored to industry needs.
Working with port authorities, training institutions, governments and development partners, she focuses on decent work, safe working conditions and sustainable employment.
