Research Article on Education Financing and the Impact of Privatisation in Liberia

  • Year: 2026; supported by Education International Africa Office
  • Purpose: To assess government education financing trends, the rise of privatisation and PPPs, and their implications for access, quality, and equity in Liberia.
  • Methodology: Mixed methods (quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with 124 stakeholders; SPSS and thematic analysis).

Key Findings

  1. Government spending on education remains critically low (≈2.3% of GDP; 10–12% of national budget), with weak budget execution and high donor dependence.
  2. Privatisation and PPPs have expanded access in some areas but have deepened inequality, particularly for poor, rural, and marginalized learners.
  3. Public schools face overcrowding, limited learning materials, and teacher shortages, while private schools show mixed quality gains at higher cost.
  4. Weak regulation has enabled the growth of unregistered and under-regulated private schools, undermining equity and accountability.

Top Recommendations

  1. Increase and rationalize public education financing to meet global benchmarks and prioritize foundational learning.
  2. Strengthen regulation and oversight of private and PPP schools to protect equity and quality.
  3. Improve teacher welfare, infrastructure, and learning resources, especially in underserved areas.

Implications

  • Government & Partners: Evidence supports renewed public investment to keep education a public good, not a privilege.
  • Civil Society & Unions: Reinforces advocacy for equitable financing and stronger governance.