Zimbabwe Primary Enrollment
School enrollment, primary (% gross) SE.PRM.ENRR
Zimbabwe's primary enrollment was 92.99% in 2025, ranked 143rd globally. This represents a 0.1% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.
Overview
Zimbabwe's primary enrollment stood at 92.99% in 2025, a decline of +0.09pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 92.99% by 2025. Zimbabwe ranked 143rd globally.
Zimbabwe’s primary school enrollment has risen from 71.47 % in 1970 to 92.99 % in 2025, placing the country 143rd globally and marginally below peers such as Serbia (93.13 %) and Mongolia (92.93 %). The trajectory shows a dramatic surge in the mid‑1980s, when enrollment peaked at 129.19 % in 1985, a figure that reflects over‑age or repeat attendance common in that era, before falling to a trough of 64.67 % in 1978. Over the 47‑year span, the long‑term upward trend has been driven by expanded public schooling, donor‑funded literacy campaigns and reforms that reduced tuition barriers. Despite the impressive recent level, the enrollment rate remains slightly under the 95 % threshold associated with universal primary education. Continued investment in teacher training, infrastructure and retention incentives will be crucial to sustain growth and move Zimbabwe closer to full universal coverage in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Primary Enrollment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 92.87% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 92.93% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 92.99% | - | - |
| 2025 | 92.99% | −0.09pp | #143 |
| 2024 | 93.08% | −0.16pp | #72 |
| 2023 | 93.24% | +0.07pp | #127 |
| 2022 | 93.17% | +0.38pp | #132 |
| 2021 | 92.78% | −0.83pp | #131 |
| 2020 | 93.61% | +0.19pp | #135 |
| 2019 | 93.43% | −0.33pp | #139 |
| 2018 | 93.76% | −0.58pp | #141 |
| 2017 | 94.33% | −1.40pp | #140 |
| 2016 | 95.73% | −1.49pp | #137 |
| 2015 | 97.23% | −1.02pp | #128 |
| 2014 | 98.25% | −0.92pp | #121 |
| 2013 | 99.17% | −0.93pp | #106 |
| 2012 | 100.10% | −9.71pp | #104 |
| 2003 | 109.80% | −1.80pp | #41 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Zimbabwe matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2024. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw primary enrollment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Zimbabwe's primary enrollment was 92.99% in 2025. Ranked 143rd globally. This represents a 0.1% decrease from the previous year.
Zimbabwe's primary enrollment peaked at 129.19% in 1985.
The lowest primary enrollment in Zimbabwe was 64.67% in 1978.
Zimbabwe ranks 143rd globally in primary enrollment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.PRM.ENRR. Data sourced from World Bank.
Zimbabwe's primary enrollment is projected to reach 92.99% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The primary enrollment of Zimbabwe in 2025 was 92.99%. This ranks 143rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_zimbabwe_primary-enrollment,
title = {Zimbabwe Primary Enrollment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/zimbabwe/primary-enrollment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}