Msaka unveils five-year plan to tackle Malawi’s education challenges

Government has unveiled a five-year education investment plan aimed at improving learning outcomes, strengthening education delivery and expanding access to quality education across Malawi.

The National Education Sector Investment Plan (NESIP) 2026–2030 was launched alongside the 2026 Education Joint Sector Review (EJSR) by Minister of Education, Science and Technology Bright Msaka.

Speaking during the launch, Msaka said the Joint Sector Review would enable Government and development partners to assess progress, identify challenges and agree on practical interventions to address gaps in the education sector.

He said the focus should now shift from increasing enrolment to ensuring that learners acquire meaningful knowledge and practical skills.

“The Joint Sector Review gives us a chance to examine the evidence, identify where implementation is falling short and agree on practical measures to accelerate progress,” said Msaka.

The Minister disclosed that primary school enrolment had reached 5.6 million, while secondary school enrolment stood at approximately 600,000.

He also revealed that selection into public higher education institutions had increased from 11,000 students in 2025 to 20,000 in 2026.

However, Msaka said expanding access alone would not be enough to transform the education sector, stressing the need to improve the quality of teaching and learning.

“Our next task is to make sure that this greater access leads to better learning,” he said.

He identified improved foundational learning, teacher development, inclusive education and adequate teaching and learning materials as key priorities under the Government’s education agenda.

Msaka further disclosed that the recruitment of 1,170 teachers was nearing completion, saying increasing the availability of qualified teachers was critical to improving classroom performance.

On affordability, he reaffirmed Government’s commitment to removing financial barriers through the abolition of fees in public secondary schools, examination and information technology fees, as well as providing bursaries to disadvantaged learners.

The NESIP 2026–2030 will serve as a common framework for Government and development partners to coordinate investments, set priorities and monitor progress across the education system.

The five-year plan covers early childhood development, primary and secondary education, technical and vocational education, and higher education, with emphasis on quality, equity and sustainable financing.

Speaking on behalf of the Education Development Partners Group, UNICEF Representative Penelope Campbell welcomed the initiative, describing NESIP as an important roadmap for guiding education sector reforms and investments over the next five years.

Campbell, however, cautioned that increasing school enrolment must be accompanied by deliberate efforts to improve learning outcomes, particularly among children in early grades.

She revealed that only one in five early-grade learners achieves age-appropriate literacy, highlighting the need for stronger foundational literacy interventions to ensure children develop essential reading and learning skills.

The launch was held under the theme, “Transforming Education for Improved Learning Outcomes and Skills Development: Advancing Quality, Equity and Sustainable Financing.”

The implementation of NESIP 2026–2030 is expected to strengthen coordination, accountability and resource mobilisation in the education sector.

Its success will ultimately depend on how effectively the commitments are translated into improved classroom teaching, stronger literacy levels and relevant skills development for learners across the country.