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Private schooling in sub-Saharan Africa: An egalitarian alternative?

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  • Bennell, Paul

Abstract

Advocates of 'low-cost' private schooling have consistently maintained that this is an 'egalitarian alternative' to public provision in Africa and Asia. This article presents evidence from recently conducted school and household surveys in 17 countries in sub-Saharan Africa which suggests that this is not the case. In particular, relatively very few children from the poorest households in rural areas enrol in private schools. Given low population densities and continuing high poverty rates, the possibility of any marked scaling up of for-profit private schooling across rural Africa remains remote. While private school enrolment rates among children from the poorest households in urban areas are appreciably higher, they are still under 20% in almost all of these countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Bennell, Paul, 2022. "Private schooling in sub-Saharan Africa: An egalitarian alternative?," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:injoed:v:88:y:2022:i:c:s0738059321001863
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijedudev.2021.102533
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bennell, Paul, 2021. "The political economy of attaining Universal Primary Education in sub-Saharan Africa: Social class reproduction, educational distancing and job competition," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).
    2. Lassibille, Gerard & Tan, Jee-Peng, 2003. "Student Learning in Public and Private Primary Schools in Madagascar," Economic Development and Cultural Change, University of Chicago Press, vol. 51(3), pages 699-717, April.
    3. Bennell, Paul, 2021. "The political economy of attaining Universal Primary Education in sub-Saharan Africa: The politics of UPE implementation," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).
    4. Gérard Lassibille & Jee-Peng Tan & Sumra Suleman, 2000. "Expansion of private secondary education : lessons from recent experience in Tanzania," Post-Print halshs-01267358, HAL.
    5. Zeitlyn, Benjamin & Lewin, Keith M. & Chimombo, Joseph & Meke, Elizabeth, 2015. "Inside private secondary schools in Malawi: Access or exclusion?," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 43(C), pages 109-117.
    6. Gérard Lassibille & Jee-Peng Tan, 2003. "Student Learning in Public and Private Primary Schools in Madagascar," Post-Print halshs-00004972, HAL.
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