Number of Schools in Mali (2019 Data)

According to the World Bank (World Development Indicators, 2019), Mali had 16,604 schools across all levels:

• Primary – ~12,500
• Secondary (lower + upper) – ~3,500
• Tertiary (universities, grandes écoles, vocational) – ~600

Context:

• Gross enrollment: Primary ~75%, Secondary ~40%, Tertiary ~7%.
• Major challenges: Security crises (north/central) close thousands of schools; teacher shortages; language barriers (French vs. local languages); gender gaps (girls' enrollment lags).
• Recent initiatives: PRODEC (education sector plan), GPE funding, community schools, radio instruction during closures.

Numbers fluctuate yearly due to construction, closures, and data reporting lags. For latest figures, consult Mali Ministry of Education or UNESCO Institute for Statistics.