What's happened
Malawi's government has announced the abolition of examination, development, and other school fees for secondary schools, effective January 2026. The move aims to increase access and retention, but raises concerns about funding, infrastructure, and teacher recruitment amid economic challenges.
What's behind the headline?
The policy marks a significant shift towards inclusive education, removing financial barriers that have historically excluded marginalized groups, such as girls and rural students. However, the success of this initiative hinges on sustainable financing, infrastructure expansion, and effective teacher recruitment. Without clear funding strategies, the policy risks overburdening existing resources, leading to overcrowded classrooms and teacher shortages. The government’s plan to match funds and expand management of open secondary schools is a positive step, but civil society warns that without disciplined implementation, the reforms could falter. The move aligns with political promises and international development goals, but the economic context—marked by high poverty and corruption—may impede long-term sustainability. The policy will likely increase enrollment in the short term, but its impact on quality and retention depends on addressing systemic issues like infrastructure and teacher capacity. Overall, Malawi’s approach demonstrates a commitment to education reform, yet the real challenge will be translating policy into effective, sustainable change.
What the papers say
All Africa reports that Malawi has abolished examination, development, and identity card fees for secondary schools, with phased removal of boarding and open school fees. The government aims to improve access amid concerns about funding, infrastructure, and teacher shortages. Civil society warns that without a clear financing plan, the reforms may face sustainability issues. Meanwhile, the policy is a fulfillment of political promises made during recent elections, reflecting a broader commitment to social reform. The articles highlight the economic hardships Malawi faces, including high poverty and corruption, which could influence the policy’s long-term success. The move has been praised as a positive step towards equitable education, but experts emphasize the need for disciplined implementation and increased investment to ensure lasting impact.
How we got here
Malawi has historically faced challenges with low enrollment and high dropout rates in secondary education, compounded by economic hardship and limited government funding. The recent policy shifts are part of broader efforts to improve access, driven by political commitments and social reform agendas, including promises made during recent elections.
Go deeper
More on these topics