Mauritania’s Private School Phase‑Out Sparks Debate Over Access and Quality

Mauritania announced in 2022 a reform to replace private schools with state‑run institutions, aiming to reduce discrimination and make education free through middle school. The policy also makes enrollment mandatory from age six and offers instruction in three local languages alongside Arabic. Officials say the shift will create a more uniform system, while private school operators fear it will undermine livelihoods and academic standards.

At least 30% of school‑aged children in Mauritania are not enrolled in any school. Around 95% of Mauritanian children cannot read or understand texts that peers in other countries manage by age ten. A typical private school reports losing about 2 million ouguiyas—roughly $5,000 each month—because class closures under the reform have cut its revenue.

The reform addresses low enrollment and poor literacy, but the high out‑of‑school rate suggests barriers beyond school type, such as poverty or rural access. The large reading gap indicates that even children who attend school may not be gaining foundational skills. Financial strain on private schools could lead to closures, teacher layoffs, and reduced options for families seeking alternatives. Supporters argue that a unified public system will eventually raise overall quality, while opponents warn that a rushed transition may worsen existing gaps.