The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has received a significant boost in funding, with international partners providing $20 million and the Treasury committing additional resources.
This financial support will facilitate the construction of 120 new schools and 300 classrooms across Zimbabwe in 2025, as part of efforts to address infrastructure shortages in the education sector.
With an estimated shortage of 3,000 schools nationwide, the government is taking a multi-sectoral approach to expanding educational facilities and curbing the rise of unauthorised learning institutions.
Education Minister Torerai Moyo shared these updates in the National Assembly while responding to concerns raised by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education regarding school infrastructure.
The committee had pointed out challenges such as inadequate facilities, lack of essential amenities, limited disability-friendly infrastructure, and delays in project completion due to financial constraints.
Minister Moyo reassured Parliament that measures were in place to improve school infrastructure, ensuring all students have access to quality education.
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“In 2025, we have secured sufficient funding to construct at least 120 new schools,” he stated.
He further explained that 30 of these schools will be funded by the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion through the National Building Society (NBS).
The NBS model, previously used successfully in university construction projects like those at Chinhoyi University of Technology, will now be applied to primary and secondary schools.
These 30 schools will be distributed across the country’s 10 provinces.
Additionally, Minister Moyo announced that the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) has allocated $20 million towards constructing 50 schools—40 day schools and 10 boarding facilities.
Ensuring students do not travel excessive distances to access education is a key priority.
Minister Moyo highlighted that new schools would be built in areas where students currently walk more than five kilometres, aligning with international standards for school accessibility.
“To meet global recommendations, we will prioritise locations where learners travel over five kilometres to the nearest school,” he noted.
Collaboration with members of Parliament will help determine areas in need of new schools, ensuring resources are allocated effectively.
The government’s 2025 national budget has already set aside funding for 100 schools, with private individuals and corporate sponsors also expected to contribute towards meeting the 120-school target.
Minister Moyo also confirmed that resources have been secured for constructing 300 additional classrooms to accommodate growing student populations.
Beyond infrastructure, the ministry aims to empower schools financially by supporting income-generating initiatives.
Minister Moyo acknowledged that many schools lack sustainable funding sources, prompting the government to introduce capacity-building programs for school development committees.
“The ministry is evaluating commercial ventures within schools and will enhance training programs to ensure long-term sustainability.
This will help school development committees mobilise resources effectively,” he explained.
