9 answers, 2 from Mali's own official bodies, with a link to each figure.
35.6% of adults aged 15 and over in Mali could read and write in 2024, according to World Bank data from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics.
The adult literacy rate is the share of people aged 15 and over who can read and write a short simple statement about their everyday life. The figure is based on household survey data. The Ministry of National Education's site could not be reached on 15 October 2026, so no national education statistics are cited here.
Mali's gross enrolment ratio in secondary school was 38.9% in 2023, according to World Bank data from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. The net enrolment rate in primary school was 58.9% in 2018, the latest year in the primary enrolment series.
The gross ratio divides all secondary students, of any age, by the population of official secondary school age. The net primary rate counts only children of primary school age who are enrolled. These figures come from administrative school data reported to UNESCO.
The figures below use one definition for every country, so they can differ from national figures.
The latest figure from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, for 2018, is 58.9%. Since 2005 it has ranged from 55.6% (2015) to 64.9% (2011). Sub-Saharan Africa median: 90.7%; Mali is 18th highest of 19. Worldwide: 68th of 69.
38.9%: that is gross secondary school enrolment in Mali for 2023, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. The peak was 41.2% in 2014 and the low 23.3% in 2005. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 46.9%, and Mali placed 14th highest of 19. Of 138 countries with 2023 data, 133rd highest.
In 2015, gross tertiary enrolment in Mali was 5.1%, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. The peak was 6.4% in 2012 and the low 4.8% in 2008. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 9.5%, and Mali placed 23rd highest of 30. Of 138 countries with 2015 data, 131st highest.
The latest figure from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, for 2024, is 35.6%. No year since 2006 has been higher. It is 7th highest of 7 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 77.0%.
The UNESCO Institute for Statistics puts government spending on education in Mali at 4.2% of GDP in 2023. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 3.3% of GDP, and Mali placed 12th highest of 35. Worldwide: 45th of 112.
The latest figure from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, for 2018, is 38. No year since 2005 has been lower. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 39; Mali is 13th highest of 23. Worldwide: 16th of 85.
In 2023, the primary completion rate in Mali was 48.4%, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. Its high point since 2005 was 2011, at 54.7%; its low point was 2005, at 39.1%. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 74.0%; Mali is 22nd highest of 24. Of 131 countries with 2023 data, 129th highest.
Read on 14 October 2026. Definitions · Report an error