The event, themed "Think Before You Follow, Wise Money Tomorrow," aims to equip the youth with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed financial decisions.
Justice Oyakhilome Anthony, Country Director of the International Association of Students in Economics and Business (AIESEC) in Rwanda, emphasized the importance of financial literacy in shaping the future of the country's economy.
He called on young people to be deliberate in their financial decisions and avoid being swayed by trends and misinformation.
'In today's world, we are surrounded by financial advice and trends, but not all of it is valuable. It is crucial for young people to think critically before making financial choices. Financial security is not a product of chance but of deliberate, informed, and wise decisions,' he stated.
Anthony reiterated that AIESEC in Rwanda has been committed to financial education for over a decade. 'For 13 years, we have championed this cause because we believe in the power of financial literacy to transform the leaders of tomorrow. Through this initiative, we are giving young people the tools they need to take control of their financial future,' he added.
Gladys Miria Usabase, a financial inclusion and education analyst at the National Bank of Rwanda, cautioned young people against making financial decisions based on social media influencers and urged them to be mindful of online scams.
'It is essential for the youth to be vigilant in the digital world. Scammers are everywhere, and protecting personal financial information should be a priority. We advise young people to start early by practicing budgeting, saving, and investing. Even the smallest savings can grow into meaningful investments,' she said.
She also highlighted the National Bank of Rwanda's commitment to safeguarding young clients in their financial dealings. 'We will continue to protect young people as they interact with financial institutions. For those seeking credible financial advice, our website offers resources to guide them in making informed decisions.'
Pierre Celestin Rwabukumba, CEO of the Rwanda Stock Exchange, expressed the RSE's long-standing dedication to financial education. He emphasized the importance of educating the youth, noting that they represent the country's demographic dividend and future economic stability.
'If you are not educating your youth, you are losing it. From the very beginning, we saw the need to serve this underserved population. Many young people are unaware of financial literacy, and it is our duty to ensure they understand they are the future of Rwanda's economy,' Rwabukumba declared.
The launch of Global Money Week in Rwanda marks another milestone in the ongoing effort to promote financial literacy among the youth. With the collective support of government agencies, financial institutions, and education organizations, young people are being equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to make sound financial decisions.
As the week unfolds, participants will engage in workshops, discussions, and interactive activities designed to enhance their financial understanding.
Sam K Nkurunziza
