Zambia
Last updated May 3, 2026
Composite GEFRI Score
Critically unprepared
Zambia shows critically low readiness to meet the challenges and opportunities of education in a rapidly changing world (18th 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
- 18th
- Global rank
- #147
- Regional rank
- #21
- Viewing data for
Country profile
Zambia trails global peers in Human Capital (32, 21st percentile), Infrastructure (28, 12th percentile), GEFRI Composite (28, 18th 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. Limited electricity or internet coverage still constrains classrooms, preventing large-scale digital instruction. 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 across secondary pathways reflects sustained commitment to equitable participation.
Governance presents a near-term leapfrog opportunity: performance is just below the global average, backed by enough observed data to support forward planning.
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 18th percentile.
- Places 147th worldwide.
- Holds a regional position of 21st within Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Scores range from Governance (41.6) to Access & Parity (0.0), reflecting variation across dimensions.
- Trails regional peers most clearly in Access & Parity.
Regional peers: Sub-Saharan Africa
Composite GEFRI Score