Access Bank Plc has partnered with 9ijakids and Kidpreneur Africa to empower over 90,000 African children with essential financial management skills in Nigeria and five other countries.
According to the lender in a statement, African countries ranked the lowest globally in financial literacy rates among youth.
“A survey conducted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation found that less than 20 per cent of African children receive any form of financial education in school, leaving the majority ill-equipped to handle financial challenges later in life. This highlights a critical gap in their education and preparation for the future,” it stated.
During the recent Global Money Week in March, Access Bank disclosed that it had reached a significant milestone by empowering over 70,000 children across 20 states in Nigeria and five other African countries – Ghana, Zambia, Botswana, Cameroon, and Kenya.
It noted that the campaign encompassed engaging financial literacy talks held in over 250 schools, distributing educational resources, and interactive financial literacy games where children had the opportunity to win over N2,000,000 in cash prizes.
The Head of Sustainability at Access Bank, Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan, said, “At Access Bank, we believe that financial literacy is key to fostering a sustainable economy. By equipping children with financial management skills, we are not only securing their future but also laying the groundwork for economic prosperity and development.”
She declared that students received comprehensive financial literacy training during awareness sessions, including saving, investing, and earning.
“Access Bank facilitated account openings at session locations, promoting early savings habits and demonstrating their commitment to financial inclusion for African children,” he also revealed.
Also, a student of Aguda Senior Grammar School, Blessing Collins, shared her journey from participating in last year’s Financial Literacy Campaign organised by Access Bank to starting her own business selling Coconut chips.
Her success story exemplifies the transformative impact of financial literacy initiatives on the lives of African children.
Victor-Laniyan announced plans to support 25 schools in setting up financial literacy clubs to further