Tanzania
Tanzania’s education financing indicators reveal mixed progress. In 2024, the country invested 3.16% of GDP in public education, below both the 6% international benchmark and the regional average. However, education accounted for 20.83% of the national budget in 2023, surpassing the 20% global target and above the regional average. Public spending per school-age child was USD 90.15 (2018), which remains below the regional average.
Attendance indicators suggest near gender parity and comparatively smaller wealth disparities than in many neighboring countries, although inequities persist.
Our member, Tanzania Education Network (TENMET), emphasises domestic resource mobilisation and stronger accountability in education financing as key drivers of gender equality and sustainable financing. Check out the international comparative figures below, and, in addition, our members’ brief featuring national-level analysis, insights, and policy recommendations.
Read our members’ education financing brief
Public financial effort is assessed through education spending as a share of GDP and of the government budget. International benchmarks established in 2015 call for 4–6% of GDP and 15–20% of total government spending. In Tanzania, the most recent data (2024) shows that public education spending represented 3.16% of GDP, below both the global benchmark and the regional average. However, the share of the national budget allocated to education was 20.83%, surpassing the global 20% target and reflecting a stronger prioritization of education in public expenditure.
Public expenditure on education as a % of GDP
Public expenditure on education as a % of total public expenditure
Public spending per school-age child was USD 90.15 (2018), below the regional average, indicating limited resources available per school-age child.
Public spending per school-age person
Attendance data offers further insights into gender and wealth-based disparities.
- The gender ratio was 0.99 in 2022, above the regional average and showing near parity between boys and girls in school attendance.
- The wealth parity index was 1.57 in 2022, meaning that children from the wealthiest households were about 1.6 times more likely to attend school than those from the poorest households. While inequality remains, this is below the regional average, suggesting that wealth-based disparities are less pronounced in Tanzania compared to many of its neighbors.
Gender ratio on school attendance
Ratio between the poorest and richest quintiles on school attendance
IN-DEPTH REPORT
Our member, Tanzania Education Network (TenMet), produced an in-depth report highlighting key recommendations for enhancing equity and ensuring sustained investment in education. Check it out.
POLICY BRIEF
Check our members’ policy brief featuring national-level analysis, insights, and policy recommendations.