Zimbabwe
Last updated May 3, 2026
Composite GEFRI Score
Critically unprepared
Zimbabwe shows critically low readiness to meet the challenges and opportunities of education in a rapidly changing world (21st 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
- 21st
- Global rank
- #142
- Regional rank
- #17
- Viewing data for
Country profile
Zimbabwe trails global peers in Infrastructure (37, 20th percentile), Human Capital (33, 21st percentile), GEFRI Composite (30, 21st percentile), and Governance (23, 13th percentile). A coordinated reform effort is needed to strengthen education futures readiness.
Dimension scores cluster tightly, showing the system operates with balanced readiness. Limited electricity or internet coverage still constrains classrooms, preventing large-scale digital instruction. Limited tertiary enrollment narrows future talent pipelines and innovation capacity.
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, Governance 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 21st percentile.
- Places 142nd worldwide.
- Holds a regional position of 17th within Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Scores range from Innovation (37.1) to Access & Parity (17.6), reflecting variation across dimensions.
- Trails regional peers most clearly in Governance.
Regional peers: Sub-Saharan Africa
Composite GEFRI Score