Driving Quality Education Through Foreign Capital Inflows: A Pathway to Sustainable Development Goal 4

Rivaldo Hungwe; Farah Khan

doi:10.22159/ijoe.2025v13i5.54981

Authors

Rivaldo Hungwe School of Business and Social Sciences, Albukhary International University, Kedah, Malaysia https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4521-8939
Farah Khan Institute of Education and Research (IER), Women University Mardan, KP-Pakistan. International Research Fellow, INTI International University, Nilai, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22159/ijoe.2025v13i5.54981

Keywords:

foreign capital inflows , quality education, sustainable development goal 4

Abstract

This study explores how foreign capital inflows, including foreign direct investment (FDI), official development assistance (ODA), and foreign remittances, influence the provision of quality education in developing countries to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4). Despite the acknowledged significance of quality education for human capital development and economic growth, many low- and middle-income nations encounter challenges such as inadequate funding, insufficient infrastructure, and unequal access. Employing a mixed-method approach, the research combines quantitative trend analysis and qualitative thematic review to investigate the impact of foreign capital on education development in diverse settings. The results indicate that when foreign capital is integrated into national education policies with transparent institutions, it can enhance infrastructure, expand access, improve teacher training, and foster digital inclusion. Case studies from countries like Ghana, Vietnam, India, and Kenya illustrate the successful incorporation of foreign investment into national education strategies. Nonetheless, the study also underscores obstacles like misallocation, excessive reliance, and uneven distribution of benefits. The research concludes with policy recommendations to optimize the influence of foreign capital on education through enhanced governance, equity, and international cooperation, paving the way for inclusive, high-quality, and sustainable education systems in developing countries.

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