Paper long abstract:

This paper explores the limits to growth of private schooling in Sub Saharan Africa. First, attention is drawn to the diversity of non-government private provision and some fundamental issues that shape its possible contribution to enhanced access to schooling in the context of EFA. Second estimates are presented of the numbers currently out of school and their location. Third, data is discussed which illustrates the extent to which exclusion is related to wealth, location and gender, focusing on economic constraints. Fourth, costs related to teachers are modelled to indicate likely minimum operating costs for unsubsidised schooling. Fifth, an analysis is offered of the underlying demographic realities of expanded enrolment. This to reinforces the need to understand the magnitude of the task of achieving the MDGs and to identify mechanisms that expand services to large numbers of school age children drawn from the poorest households. Finally some concluding remarks draw together the arguments and evidence.