Somalia
Somalia’s education financing and equity indicators reveal extremely low levels of investment alongside persistent inequalities in access. According to international UIS data, in 2019 the country invested just 0.27% of GDP in public education.
Drawing on national data, our member EFASOM conducted an in-depth analysis covering the period from 2015 to 2021. The study found that although funding allocated to education has increased in absolute terms, as a proportion of the national budget it ranged between 0.7% and 4.9%, far below the 15–20% of national budget commitment.
The critical data needed in monitoring patterns and trends in funding of education in Somalia remains limited and in some cases unavailable. The gender ratio points to significant disparities, with boys more likely to attend school than girls. Strengthening public investment and addressing equity gaps remain urgent priorities.
Our member has been strongly advocating for the Federal Government of Somalia to allocate at least 4-6 percent of its GDP to education, as well as to ensure completion of the regulatory frameworks that are necessary in holding every education stakeholder accountable in provision of education to all.
Check out the international comparative figures below, and, in addition, our members’ in-depth report featuring national-level analysis, insights, and policy recommendations.
Read our members’ education financing brief
Public financial effort reflects how much of a country’s national wealth is allocated to education. Since 2015, international benchmarks have recommended 4–6% of GDP and 15–20% of government spending. In Somalia, the most recent available data (2019) shows that only 0.27% of GDP was dedicated to public education. This is one of the lowest levels in the region, underscoring the urgent need for stronger financial commitment to expand educational opportunities.
Public expenditure on education as a % of GDP
Data on per-student spending is not available, limiting further analysis of government priorities.
Attendance indicators highlight persistent inequalities.
- The gender ratio was 0.88 in 2022, below the regional average and showing that girls were significantly less likely than boys to attend primary and secondary school.
- Data on wealth parity is unavailable, leaving gaps in the ability to fully assess socio-economic inequalities in school attendance.
Gender ratio on school attendance
IN-DEPTH REPORT
The Somali Education Financing Observatory Report estimates the gap between resources allocated to education against resources needed to effectively make education available, accessible, acceptable and adaptable in the country. The report analyses data on education financing from the national government and the international aid and development cooperation (IADC) in the period 2015-2021 to establish both the growth in the funding and adequacy in fulfilling the right to education.
