Afghanistan
Last updated May 3, 2026
Composite GEFRI Score
Critically unprepared
Afghanistan shows critically low readiness to meet the challenges and opportunities of education in a rapidly changing world (3rd percentile worldwide). Core capabilities are weak across most dimensions, and essential systems face significant constraints. Higher scores indicate a system that is better prepared to anticipate and shape the future of learning.
- Global percentile
- 3rd
- Global rank
- #173
- Regional rank
- #8
- Viewing data for
Country profile
Afghanistan trails global peers in Infrastructure (33, 17th percentile), Human Capital (22, 5th percentile), Innovation (19, 3rd percentile), GEFRI Composite (18, 3rd percentile), Governance (15, 6th percentile), and School Access and Gender Parity (0, 8th percentile). A coordinated reform effort is needed to strengthen education futures readiness.
Uneven scores across dimensions highlight areas that need targeted coordination. Low internet adoption slows digital participation and constrains system-wide modernization. Literacy or tertiary enrollment gaps thin the talent pipeline and limit the country’s capacity to develop future-ready skills.
Sparse R&D investment and a small research workforce slow experimentation and delay new ideas from reaching learners. Policy execution and regulatory capacity remain weak, leaving reforms fragmented and hard to sustain. Gender parity leans toward boys in secondary pathways, signalling persistent barriers for girls.
Regionally, School Access and Gender Parity lags peers the most, signalling where investment could have the highest impact.
Note: Several indicators use imputed values. Policymakers and planners should validate results further before committing to major initiatives.
Key insights
- Falls below many peers at the 3rd percentile.
- Places 173rd worldwide.
- Holds a regional position of 8th within South Asia.
- Scores range from Infrastructure (33.5) to Access & Parity (0.0), reflecting variation across dimensions.
- Trails regional peers most clearly in Access & Parity.
Regional peers: South Asia
Composite GEFRI Score
| Global rank | Regional rank | Country | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 86 | 1 | Nepal | 52.00 |
| 88 | 2 | India | 51.60 |
| 95 | 3 | Sri Lanka | 49.65 |
| 97 | 4 | Maldives | 49.34 |
| 115 | 5 | Bhutan | 38.74 |
| 118 | 6 | Bangladesh | 37.68 |
| 137 | 7 | Pakistan | 31.60 |
| 173 | 8 | AfghanistanFCS | 17.88 |