Paper long abstract:

While basic education is commonly seen as primarily a state responsibility, non-state providers (NSPs) are now being seen as playing an important role in expanding access to children underserved by public provision. The paper draws on experience from Malawi and Nigeria, which indicates that collaboration between governments and NSPs is closest when different forms of engagement interact (for example, facilitation or contracting of education services necessitating regulation which can lead to greater involvement in policy dialogue). However, more intense forms of engagement can result in tension, mistrust and even antagonism, particularly where dominant but ineffective centralised ministries of education attempt to maintain control over the sector, even where they are unable to support their own provision effectively. In such contexts, collusion between NSPs through umbrella associations is apparent, often with the aim of challenging restrictive government practices. However, evidence suggests that these associations tend to favour more established NSPs serving élite populations. There is a need both to recognise the complexities of collaboration amongst a diverse group of NSPs, as well as between them and governments, to support the achievement of Education for All.