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 entrance age to pre-primary education is 4 years old. In 2024, the net enrolment rate for pre-primary (both sexes) was 39%.
Governance
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) is responsible for financing pre-primary, primary, secondary and non-formal education.
Tuition-free status
Pre-primary education (2 years, covering ages 4-5) is included within the compulsory, state-funded basic education structure, with almost all (99%) primary schools having introduced pre-primary education in their school. The 2020 Education Act does still enable MoPSE to set school fees at the basic education level (pre-primary to lower secondary), but also states that students will not be required to pay fees and no student shall be excluded from school for non-payment of school fees.
From January 2023, the government committed to providing free basic education in all public schools (including at the pre-primary level); but continues to face challenges in the budget execution rate.
The legal framework supporting early childhood education includes the 2020 Education Act and the 2023 National Early Learning Policy, which provide the foundation for the pre-primary education system in Zimbabwe and emphasize the need for and right to early childhood education.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) budgets for transfers to education provinces, typically calculated on a per-student basis.
2. Education resources to institutions
Tuition Grants to Schools
Schools (including at the pre-primary level) receive grants designed to address, where possible, inequalities in the financial resources of the authorities responsible for the schools. Schools are categorised by geographical location, with category 1 schools located in affluent, low-density urban areas; category 2 schools in high-density urban areas; and category 3 schools in rural areas. The most disadvantaged schools, typically in rural areas, receive the greatest level of support, while category 1 schools receive the least.
The government may make annual grants to any registered school in Zimbabwe (excluding non-state schools run by private individuals and companies), which is disbursed to the School’s Development Committee to cover operational costs and teacher salaries. These grants are subject to conditions determined by the Minister for each school, which, if not complied with, may result in the loss of the grant.
3. Education resources to students and families
There is no government funding for scholarships or subsidies at the pre-primary, primary or secondary level.
4. Social policies and family support programmes
The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare (MoPSLSW) is responsible for coordinating and implementing most social assistance programmes in the country.
There is no social protection programme with a conditional education component at the pre-primary level. The Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) targets orphans and vulnerable children aged 6–19 years. However, there are NGOs who intervene in the feeding of learners in ECD1 and ECD2, especially in vulnerable communities where nutrition risk is high.
This profile has been reviewed by national expert Dr. Moses Chundu.
