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 in Gabon is three years old. The net enrolment rate for pre-primary for both sexes was last measured in 2019 at 42.18%. Access to education is guaranteed to all young people aged 3-16. Preschool is held for children ages 3-5 and is not compulsory.
Governance
The Ministry of National Education, Civic Education and Vocational Training is responsible for overseeing pre-primary education.
Tuition-free status
No data is found regarding the number of years of free pre-primary education granted in legal frameworks.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
In October 2025, the Council of Ministers adopted a major draft decree on the transfer of the State's powers and resources to local authorities. This decision aims to make local governance a reality and to provide local authorities with the necessary means to better meet the needs of the population. This commitment provides for the creation of an Equalisation Fund for Local Authorities, financed by "a special allocation set annually at 10% of the State budget's own resources, as well as contributions from mining, forestry, oil and gas development funds". The transfer of competences and resources will benefit one hundred and thirty-five (135) local authorities, divided between 52 municipalities, 35 districts and 48 departmental councils.
Of the amount to be allocated, 97% is allocated to the development of local authorities, 1.5% to the operation of the Fund and 1.5% to decentralisation bodies. 70% of the funds are to be distributed equally among the 135 entities, while the remaining 30% is redistributed according to demographic and distance criteria.
2. Education resources to institutions
The pre-primary education system in Gabon comprises of crèches (children under 3) and pre-schools (children 3-5). Pre-schools include kindergartens and pre-primary education sections in primary schools. The majority of pre-primary institutions are private.
3. Education resources to students and families
The annual tuition fees for pre-primary education institutions range between FCFA 27,000 and more than FCFA 270,000 (USD 48-480).
The state provides economic safety nets for families considered “economically weak” (GEF). Support comes in the form of direct and indirect cash grants under the GEF Protection and Support Programme. Sub-programme SP2 supports families with dependent children and includes free childcare fees in public daycare centres.
4. Social policies and family support programmes
Allocation de rentrée scolaire (Back-to-School Allowance)
The Allocation de rentrée scolaire (Back-to-School Allowance) is a social benefit funded by the Gabonese State, aimed at civil servants with at least one child aged 3 to 16 in school, to help finance school supplies. Established at least by the late 2010s, it is managed and paid annually by the Caisse des Pensions et des Prestations Familiales (CPPF). The payments start before the school year, typically around late August or early September, and the programme is a key part of the state's social policy to support families of public employees in preparing for the school year.
Allocations familiales (Family Allowances)
Order 0023/PR/2007 establishes the family benefits system. According to the order, direct and indirect cash transfers include free childcare fees in public daycare centres (art 8).
Family allowances are periodic lump-sum payments provided to insured persons for each dependent child, helping cover the costs of raising them. To qualify, families must ensure the effective care and education of the children. Benefits are paid until the child is 17, or up to 20 if the child is still studying or unable to work due to disability or incurable illness. The allowance, managed by the Caisse nationale de sécurité sociale (CNSS), amounts to 7,000 CFA francs per month per child. For the most economically disadvantaged families, family benefits are managed by the Caisse nationale d’assurance maladie et de garantie sociale (CNAMGS).
The Ministry of Budget and Public Accounts also provides monthly family allowances of 8,000 CFA francs (US$14) to families with children aged 21 or younger.
