Evaluating Employer Perceptions, Employability and Acceptance of ADC holders in Zambia

The study sought to establish what credentials were preferred by potential employers in Zambia. The study pursued a qualitative thematic study where opinions, thoughts and motivations were elicited. Open ended questions were used from a sample of 28 HEA accredited HEIs in Zambia. An inclusion and exclusion criteria was adopted in arriving at this sample. The study found that 47% of study participants did not mind the source of the credential while 45% preferred those from traditional learning modes. Only 8% opted for alternative digital credentials (ADC). From the finding, it is evident that a fair portion of respondents still vouch for the traditionally acquired credential while 47% seemed not to mind the mode used to credential acquisition and thus employment. The study concludes that while 47% showed that they did not mind the source of the credential (as long as it was authentic), a relatively large portion preferred employing candidates from traditional mode of schooling such as F2F. Only 8% accepted ADC suggesting a great need for intentional ongoing sensitization, exposure and inclusion of key stake holders in the planning and design of credentials. The study recommends that government leads the growth, quality assurance enforcement and subsequent public promotion for acceptance of ADC by policy enactment. Keywords: Alternative Digital Credential (ADC), Degree, Acceptance, Skills, Quality Assurance, Employability, Gatekeepers DOI: 10.7176/JEP/16-12-03 Publication date: November 30th 2025