The paper highlights the process of development, validation, and adoption of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Regional Qualifications Framework (GADQF). Using descriptive, textual, and contextual methods derived from participant observation, the paper provides an insider view of the policy-making and regional consensus-building process. It emphasizes the importance of political will, partnership, and ownership as key components of successful policymaking. In the lessons learned part, the paper outlines the significance of a regional qualifications framework in terms of skills mobility, curriculum harmonization, and ensuring the quality of learning outcomes, among other factors. Although the paper is not purely academic research, the information contained within it is expected to benefit academics, policymakers, and development partners/practitioners.