Financing for equity in pre-primary education
1. Education resources to subnational governments
2. Education resources to institutions
3. Education resources to students and families
4. Social policies and family support programmes
Introduction
Key financing indicators (UIS Data)
The official entry age for pre-primary education is 3 years old.
Governance
The Ministry of Education has no budget allocation for pre-primary education. Early childhood education is fully governed and funded by the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare (MoGCDSW).
In 2025/26, only 2% of the education budget was allocated to early childhood education.
Tuition-free status
Pre-primary education is not compulsory and not included within the basic education structure, with compulsory education starting at primary education level. Early childhood education is primarily delivered through public community-based preschools/childcare centres and private preschools for children aged 3-5. Pre-primary education is provided free of charge for children aged 3-5 at community-based institutions. However, parents pay for meals and contribute to teachers’ salaries, though no specific fees are charged.
The Ministry of Education is in the process of gradually introducing a preparatory class (p-class) in existing public primary schools as part of pre-primary education expansion.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
The MoGCDSW allocates funding to 5 districts for the provision of early childhood education and care services as part of its revised Devolution Plan.
The Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfer Formula determines education allocations to Local Councils through five sub-formulas covering different educational components. The Leave Grants component is based on the number of primary school teachers. The Operations sub-formula combines the number of schools, pupil-to-teacher ratios, urban education infrastructure via utility bills, proportion of children under 14, and the number of special needs centres.
2. Education resources to institutions
Public community-based childcare centres are primarily funded by community members, with support from the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare (MoGCDSW) and donors.
The Ministry of Education plans to introduce pre-primary classes (p-class) for 5-year-olds within public primary schools, although no budgetary provision was made in 2025/26 to support the programme.
3. Education resources to students and families
No government subsidies or vouchers are provided at the pre-primary education level.
4. Social policies and family support programmes
Social Cash Transfer Programme
The Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP), locally known as Mtukula Pakhomo, is an unconditional cash transfer initiative managed by the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare since 2006. Operating in all districts, the programme targets the ultra-poor and labour-constrained households, with the overall goal of reducing poverty and vulnerability. Beneficiaries have flexibility in how they use the transfers, and evidence shows that funds are frequently spent on education-related expenses such as school fees, uniforms, and supplies.
The SCTP also aims to increase school enrolment and attendance among children aged 6 years and above in targeted households. The programme provides monthly transfers of MK 4,000 for single-member households, MK 5,000 for two-member households, MK 6,500 for three-member households, and MK 8,000 for households with four or more members. Households receive bonuses to confirm school attendance at the primary and secondary levels, with no specific bonus for attending pre-primary education.
This profile has been reviewed by Fatsani T. Kafumbu, Regional Manager – Southern Africa, Ubongo International.
