Education Spending: Malawi

Analysis# Malawi Education Spending Malawi allocated 2.749% of its GDP to education in 2022, representing a modest recovery from recent lows but still well below its historical peak of 3.854% in 2015. Since 1986, education spending has grown 25.1% overall, climbing from a floor of 2.179% in 1988. The country's commitment to education has fluctuated considerably across four decades, reflecting varying economic and policy priorities. A significant spike occurred between 2013 and 2015, when spending surged to nearly 3.9% of GDP before declining sharply through 2017. The 2022 level of 2.749% suggests stabilization after years of volatility, though it remains notably below the mid-2010s peak. Whether Malawi can sustain or increase this allocation will depend on broader fiscal pressures and the government's continued prioritization of educational investment.