Primary and Secondary Education Minister, Tonderai Moyo, has claimed that more than 600 new schools have been built since 2022, with the government optimistic about meeting a target of a further 200 by the end of 2025.
Moyo made the statement during a Question and Answer session in the National Assembly on Wednesday. He said:
“We carried out a study in 2022 and the findings of the study were that we had a deficit of 3 000 but now, I can happily inform this House that we have constructed more than 600 schools.
“Since 2022 until now in 2025, we have built more than 600 schools. This year, we are targeting to build not less than 200 schools in 2025.”
Moyo explained that “construction” includes projects carried out not only by the government but also by development partners, private organisations, churches, and individuals, all operating within the ministry’s regulatory framework. He said:
“I wish to inform this House that one organisation, the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints has built seven schools this year.
“The Church of Johane Marange is building more than eight schools this year.
“The Government itself has received funding from NBS and we have started constructing 25 schools for Government.”
He added that substantial international support, including a US$20 million pledge from the OPEC Fund for International Development and partnerships with countries such as Algeria, is helping to drive these projects. Said Moyo:
“I can confidently say that this year, come 31 December, we will have constructed not less than 200 schools.”
