Executive Director of the Civil Society Education Coalition (CSEC), Benedicto Kondowe, has expressed hope that the education budget will be revised during the budget review process after it was reduced by K200 billion in the 2026-27 financial plan.
Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralisation Joseph Mwanamvekha on Friday presented a K10.978 trillion national budget before the National Assembly of Malawi, outlining an agenda focused on economic recovery and fiscal consolidation. The education sector has been allocated K1.28 trillion, representing 11.7 percent of the total budget.
Kondowe described the allocation as ambitious and inclusive of critical interventions but noted that it reflects a reduction from the previous K1.3 trillion to K1.28 trillion, a K200 billion shortfall he termed significant. He said the cut raises concern about whether key education priorities will be fully sustained.
The budget has ring-fenced K47.6 billion for free primary and secondary education, including K31.7 billion for secondary school development fees and K15.9 billion for primary school general purpose fees. An additional K11.3 billion has been allocated for free examinations and student identity cards.
The Malawi government has also set aside K11 billion for teaching and learning materials, a 122 percent increase over the previous revised provision, and K45.7 billion for the operations of secondary schools and teacher training colleges.
Public universities will receive K234.3 billion for operations, development projects, and loan repayments, while K42 billion has been earmarked for student loans and upkeep allowances targeting 40,000 students.
Kondowe welcomed allocations such as K4.5 billion for the Graduate Internship Programme and funding for community technical colleges, saying they reflect a commitment to skills development.
