Harare, Zimbabwe — Education levels in Zimbabwe remain robust, with the majority of adults achieving at least some secondary education and literacy rates near universal, according to the latest 2023-24 survey results.
The survey, covering women and men aged 15 to 49, reveals that 79% of women and 80% of men have attended secondary school or higher. Only 1% of both women and men have never attended school. Literacy rates are similarly high, with 94% of women and 93% of men considered literate.
“The data reflects a strong culture of education across Zimbabwe,” experts say. Literacy was assessed by respondents’ ability to read aloud part or all of a sentence, while those with education beyond secondary school were assumed literate.
Trends over the past decade show slight improvements in schooling years completed. Women’s median years of schooling rose from 9.0 in 2010-11 to 9.9 years in 2023-24, while men maintained a steady 10 years. Literacy among women has remained stable at 94%, while men’s literacy has decreased marginally from 96% in 2010-11 to 93% today.
Educational attainment varies by age, residence, province, and wealth. Younger Zimbabweans are more likely to have completed secondary education, with 85% of women aged 15-19 reaching that level compared to 56% among women aged 45-49. Rural residents trail behind urban counterparts, where 91% of urban women and 92% of urban men have secondary education or higher, compared to 68% and 70% respectively in rural areas.
Urban provinces Harare and Bulawayo lead in educational achievement, with over 90% of adults having attended secondary school or above. These areas also report the lowest rates of adults with only primary education.
Household wealth remains a significant factor influencing education. Women’s secondary school attendance climbs sharply from 18% in the poorest households to 78% in the wealthiest.
Literacy rates are similarly linked to wealth and geography. Mashonaland Central has the lowest literacy rates (86% for women and 84% for men), while Bulawayo boasts nearly universal literacy.
Experts note that Zimbabwe’s high educational attainment and literacy rates are vital for social and economic development, empowering citizens with better opportunities and informed outlooks on life.
