Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe ups the ante in rural financial literacy drive

📅 Published: August 18, 2025

Curated by AllZimNews.com

Financial literacy is widely regarded as a cornerstone of economic empowerment, equipping individuals and communities with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions, manage resources effectively, and guard against predatory lending practices.

Dr John MushayavanhuExperts note that improved understanding of financial products can help rural communities access credit, securely, and invest in income-generating ventures.

Economist Ms Alice Chikonzi welcomed the move, describing it as a practical step towards bridging the economic knowledge gap. “This is a significant intervention that goes beyond policy talk.

By making financial literacy reporting a requirement, the RBZ is ensuring that institutions are not just opening branches in rural areas, but are actively empowering people with the skills to make the best use of financial products and services,” she said.

The RBZ’s latest directive comes amid growing recognition that the majority of Zimbabwe’s rural population remains under-served by formal financial systems.

Despite significant progress in mobile money penetration and rural banking facilities, knowledge gaps continue to hinder full participation in the financial sector.

By mandating regular reporting from banks and microfinance institutions, the central bank aims to create an accountability framework that not only measures the reach of financial education initiatives but also assesses their impact on community livelihoods.

Financial analysts say the move could also help align rural economic activity with national development priorities, including the transition towards a more cashless, digitally driven economy. 🔗

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