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 The Gambia, the governance of basic education operates through a multi-tiered framework involving both central and local authorities. The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) serves as the lead institution responsible for policy direction, strategic planning, and oversight. Its functions are partially decentralised through six Regional Education Directorates (REDs), which manage and supervise education delivery at regional level. Local government authorities, empowered by the 1997 Constitution and the 2002 Local Government Act, complement this system through responsibilities for infrastructure development, service provision, revenue generation, and financial management under the Auditor-General’s supervision.
Education financing relies on government allocations, donor contributions, and support from non-state actors, with households shouldering significant costs for items such as uniforms and textbooks. Budgetary allocations to the sector are determined annually by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, while MoBSE leads on sectoral planning and budget execution. School grants are distributed on a per-student basis and are tied to School Improvement Plans (SIPs), prepared by school management committees and approved by REDs and MoBSE. Grant-aided and selected Madrassah schools receive additional direct subventions. Personnel costs are budgeted separately and approved by the Personnel Management Office, which sets teacher recruitment ceilings.
The Education Sector Strategic Plan 2016–2030 outlines effective financial management as a key priority. Central to this agenda is the development of programme- and performance-based funding mechanisms aimed at strengthening accountability, efficiency, and equity in resource allocation across the education system.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
Financial management in the Gambian education sector remains largely centralised, with the Ministry of Finance preparing the national budget and allocating resources to the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE). MoBSE then channels these funds to its six Regional Education Directorates (REDs) based on approved spending plans, operational needs, and strategic priorities. While REDs manage day-to-day operations in line with the Local Government Act of 2002, including school supervision, teacher training, and implementation of local programmes, they have limited financial autonomy, as overall oversight and resource allocation remain with the central authorities.
Current arrangements do not include a formal, formula-based transfer system to address equity across regions.
2. Education resources to schools
Funds are channelled to schools primarily through the Regional Education Directorates, which disburse operational grants based on student enrolment. In 2013, the government introduced a free education policy for both primary and secondary levels to ensure all Gambian children have access to schooling. To support the implementation of this policy, schools receive School Improvement Grants (SIG), while a hardship allowance programme has also been established to incentivise teachers to work in remote or underserved areas.
The Hardship Allowance Programme provides financial incentives to primary school teachers working in remote and underserved areas of The Gambia. Launched in 2005 by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and funded jointly by the government and the World Bank, it targets schools located at least three kilometres from a main highway. Teachers in these schools receive a salary premium, with higher rates for those in the most remote locations, particularly women. The programme aims to attract and retain qualified teachers in areas where education access and quality are most challenging.
School Improvement Grant (SIG)
The School Improvement Grant (SIG) was introduced in 2013 by MoBSE with support from development partners as a strategic funding mechanism to enhance the quality of education across the country, reduce disparities in resource allocation, and empower schools to address local challenges. The grant targets disadvantaged schools, particularly those in rural and hard-to-reach areas. Schools located more than three kilometres from a main road are considered hardship schools for the purposes of SIG funding. Annual financial allocations vary based on school level and hardship status, with the funds aimed at improving access and quality for marginalised groups.
The Donkey Cart Initiative provides school transportation for students in remote areas. Managed collaboratively by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and local communities, and funded jointly by the government and development partners, the programme enables school management committees to purchase donkey-pulled carts. Each cart can carry up to ten children over distances of up to three kilometres, providing daily access to school. The initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to ensure equitable access to education in hard-to-reach areas.
3. Education resources to students and families
Scholarship for Girls Programme
The Scholarship for Girls Programme, launched in 2001, aimed to reduce gender disparities in secondary education by removing financial barriers for female students. Funded jointly by the Gambian government, UNICEF, the World Bank, and the IMF through the HIPC initiative, it covered mandatory school and examination fees for girls in public middle and high schools (grades 7–12). Initially focused on the most rural regions (5 and 6), it gradually expanded to nearly the entire country, with Region 1 included in 2014. Since 2014, school fees have been eliminated nationwide. The programme sought to increase female enrolment and retention in secondary education, supporting broader gender equality goals.
4. Social policies and family support programmes
Child Protection and Social Welfare Programme
The Child Protection and Social Welfare Programme, managed by the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare, provides cash transfers and support services to vulnerable families, including those affected by HIV/AIDS, internal displacement, or extreme poverty. In 2025, the programme continues with expanded coverage to include children affected by conflict, climate-related displacement, and other vulnerabilities, aiming to strengthen social protection and child welfare across the country.
The Nafa Cash Transfer Programme is The Gambia’s largest social safety net initiative, targeting extremely poor households. Announced in 2019 and launched in 2020 as part of the COVID-19 response, it is currently implemented in 20 of the poorest districts. The programme is administered by the National Nutrition Agency in collaboration with the Department of Community Development and the Directorate of Social Welfare, and is primarily funded by the World Bank under the Resilience, Inclusion, Skills and Equity (RISE) Project. Beneficiaries receive bi-monthly cash transfers, which can be used to meet immediate needs such as school fees, contributing to household resilience and social inclusion.
5. School meal programmes
National School Meal Programme
The National School Meal Programme, managed by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in partnership with the World Food Programme, provides daily breakfast and lunch to students in public primary schools, particularly in rural and food-insecure regions. The programme is primarily financed by the government with support from international partners, and targets schools with high levels of poverty and food insecurity. Meals follow national nutritional guidelines and are supervised by nutritionists, supporting both educational outcomes and child nutrition.
