The weakening of Madagascars education system stretches from primary schools to universities and is a major barrier to development. Primary education is the weakest level: completion rates are low and the repetition rate in public schools is 25.3 percent, twice the Sub-Saharan Africa average. Many pupils leave primary school without basic reading and learning skills.
Several factors explain the decline. Around 60 percent of the primary and preschool teaching workforce were FRAMs in 2024, many unqualified. Infrastructure is poor: remote areas can have no school or a single three-classroom school, and cyclones destroy 1,000–2,000 classrooms each year. Public spending on education is only 2.8 to 3 percent of GDP and research gets 0.1 percent.
Higher education also struggles: about 70 percent of university courses are taught by non-civil servant faculty, delays in salaries caused protests in May 2024, and many graduates face high youth unemployment. Experts recommend more funding, better teacher training, and stronger university support.
Difficult words
- education — The process of learning in schools.
- enrollment — The act of signing up for school.
- infrastructure — The basic facilities needed for education.
- graduate — A person who has completed their studies.graduates
- unemployment — The state of not having a job.
- support — Help or assistance needed.
- investment — Putting money into something to improve it.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How can improving education help reduce unemployment?
- What are some ways to attract qualified teachers to Madagascar?
- Why do you think many graduates work outside their fields?
