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In 2010, a comprehensive review of Malawi's financial landscape by the World Bank led to the establishment of the National Financial Literacy Programme (NFLP) and the inception of a Consumer Protection and Financial Literacy Unit (Unit) at the Reserve Bank of Malawi in 2011. The NFLP recommended that the Unit take on the role of coordinating, supporting, and monitoring the implementation of various financial literacy programs.

The overarching objective of promoting financial education and literacy is to empower all demographic groups in Malawi, enabling them to responsibly manage their personal and household finances while enhancing financial inclusion. The NFLP places particular emphasis on reaching marginalized and financially excluded segments of the population, including women, youth, micro, small, and medium enterprises, village loans and savings associations, farmers, and individuals residing in rural areas.

The Registrar, in collaboration with other stakeholders, has undertaken a range of initiatives to achieve these goals, including:

  • Developing a national financial literacy strategy that serves as a guiding framework for the implementation of all financial literacy and financial education programs.
  • Conducting research and surveys to inform policy directions and prioritize interventions.
  • Integrating financial education into secondary schools through revisions to the national secondary school curricula. Financial literacy is now taught through eight subjects, supported by educational materials such as source books. Teacher training and capacity building and the development of examination materials have also been part of this effort.
  • Commemorating events like Global Money Week and Financial Literacy Week to boost financial awareness among children, youth, and the general public.
  • Launching a financial literacy workplace initiative designed to equip employees with personal finance management skills.
  • Initiating a Rural Community Financial Literacy Program to extend financial literacy and inclusion to rural communities with the help of community leaders, including religious leaders.
  • Disseminating financial literacy messages through mass media.
  • Developing financial literacy, capability, and inclusion messages and materials tailored to various target groups.