The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture (MoEAC) is reviewing Namibia’s school funding system to address disparities between rural and urban schools, aiming to ensure equitable access to quality education.
The ministry’s School Grant Policy (2021-2030) proposes a formula-based funding approach to improve financial resource allocation, making the system more responsive to the diverse needs of schools and learners.
“The government remains committed to providing free primary and secondary education, as enshrined in Article 20 of the Constitution. However, funding models need to be more efficient and adaptable,” the ministry stated.
Namibia has consistently allocated around 20% of its national budget to education. In the 2020/21 financial year, N$14.19 billion—22% of the total budget—was earmarked for primary and secondary education. Despite this investment, inequalities persist, prompting the reassessment of funding mechanisms.
“While Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) have increased enrolment, disparities remain in resource allocation. The current model does not adequately consider socio-economic and geographical differences,” the ministry noted.
The revised policy introduces a new funding formula that takes into account curriculum requirements, individual learner characteristics, extracurricular activities, and school-specific conditions.
The ministry explained that schools will receive funding based on learner numbers, with additional allocations for vulnerable and disadvantaged students to ensure resources are directed where they are most needed.
The policy also aims to enhance transparency and accountability in school-level financial management. Schools will be required to communicate budget allocations and expenditures to stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and learners.
“Improved financial communication at the school level will foster trust and minimize tensions among education stakeholders. Transparency is essential in ensuring funds are used efficiently to support quality education,” the MoEAC said.
To prevent delays in fund disbursement, the ministry plans to strengthen financial management capacities at both school and regional levels. Training initiatives will equip school management teams with the necessary skills to handle education grants effectively.
“Capacity-building programmes will enhance financial oversight and ensure timely disbursement of funds. Schools must receive their grants before June of each fiscal year to prevent disruptions to operations,” the MoEAC said.
The government acknowledged past challenges, particularly concerns that the UPE and USE models benefited affluent schools more than underprivileged ones. The new policy includes a two-year review cycle and a five-year impact assessment to refine funding practices based on evolving educational needs.
Education Minister Anna Nghipondoka is expected to present an overview of the policy in Parliament next week, detailing the ministry’s roadmap for equitable school funding in Namibia
