Financing for equity in primary and secondary education
1. Education resources to subnational governments
2. Education resources to schools
3. Education resources to students and families
4. Social policies and family support programmes
Introduction
In Mali, the Ministry of Education is responsible for preparing and implementing national education policy and oversees public education institutions, including the allocation and monitoring of education budgets for basic education. The funding flows for education originate primarily from the central government, which covers major expenditures such as teacher salaries, infrastructure, and operational costs. Technical and financial partners and local communities also contribute, but the State remains the main funder. Responsibilities are distributed across three levels: central (policy and oversight), regional (management and implementation), and local (operations and service delivery). The central government covers major costs such as teachers' salaries, school facilities, and operational expenses.
The Ten-Year Education Development Programme (PRODEC 2) 2019–2028 emphasizes equitable access and inclusive education as national priorities. It recognizes disparities between rural and urban areas, gender-based inequalities, and the need for specific provisions for children with disabilities, internally displaced persons, and other marginalized groups.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
According to the 2020 budget estimates, 57.49% of the education budget was to be transferred to local authorities (collectivités territoriales).
The Ten-Year Education and Training Development Programme (PRODEC 2) 2019–2028 states that over three-quarters of total public education spending is carried out by the Ministry of National Education (MEN), with a nearly threefold increase in the share managed by decentralised services and local authorities. These transfers cover both operating and investment expenditures and are channeled through the national budget system.
Transfers are based on school enrollment or historical expenditures, without systematic adjustments for geographic or socio-economic disadvantage. However, the government’s decentralization policy encourages communes to prioritize underserved areas in their local development plans and through participatory budgeting.
However, no information was found on whether the allocation of these resources includes a mechanism that takes equity into account.
2. Education resources to schools
For their operations, schools receive funding from the Ministry of National Education, Local Development Committees, municipalities, and parents. The Inspecteur de l'Enseignement Fondamental plays a key intermediary role, overseeing organisation and supervision.Special Needs Education
The Ten Year Education and Training Development Programme (PRODEC 2) includes a specific commitment to serve children with disabilities by ensuring access to adapted educational services. This plan entails the construction and equipping of school facilities designed to accommodate the needs of students with disabilities, along with targeted support for pupils and students with special health requirements. The programme aims to promote inclusive education by integrating children with disabilities into the education system through infrastructure adjustments and tailored support.
Around 2008, as part of the "School for All" initiative, the government of Mali launched a programme to improve education access in remote rural areas by building and equipping Single Class Schools. These one-classroom schools serve children of different ages and grades together, addressing challenges of geographic dispersion. Using multi-grade teaching, one teacher manages a mixed-age class with specialised materials. This approach aims to increase enrolment, retention, and education quality while making efficient use of teaching resources.
3. Education resources to students and families
No information was found on social initiatives with an education component that provide financial support to disadvantaged students or households.
4. Social policies and family support programmes
No information was found on social initiatives with an education component that provide financial support to disadvantaged students or households.
5. School meal programmes
Programme national d’alimentation scolaire (National School Feeding Programme)
The National School Feeding Programme (PNAS), adopted in 2009, aims to improve school attendance and nutrition among children in vulnerable areas. Under the Ministry of Education and led by the National Center for School Canteens (CNCS), it targets communes facing food insecurity and rural poverty.
By the mid-2010s, the programme covered approximately 20% of primary schools. It provides daily meals and supports complementary activities such as nutrition education and school gardens. Meals are jointly funded by the government and partners like the World Food Programme (WFP). The strategy promotes local procurement and community involvement. School feeding is a vital tool for promoting equitable access, especially for girls and children in rural or conflict-affected areas.
This profile was reviewed by Etienne Fakaba Sissoko, Directeur du Centre de Recherche et d’Analyses Politiques, Economiques et sociales du Mali.
