RBZ Launches Schools Monetary Policy Challenge to Boost Financial Literacy Among Zimbabwean Learners

HARARE, Zimbabwe – The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has launched a nationwide Schools Monetary Policy Challenge aimed at improving financial literacy among secondary school learners and giving them practical experience in economic decision-making.

The initiative, known as the Schools Monetary Policy Challenge (SMPC), will see learners assume the roles of central bank officials, including Child RBZ Governors and Deputy Governors, as they tackle real-world monetary policy and financial literacy challenges. Speaking during an induction workshop held in Harare on Tuesday, RBZ Corporate Affairs Director Melody Harry said the competition is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical economic knowledge.

“The programme seeks to empower learners with a deeper understanding of monetary policy, financial literacy, and economic management while nurturing future leaders who can contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s economic development,” Harry said.

The central bank says the competition forms part of broader efforts to strengthen financial education among young people at a time when financial literacy is increasingly viewed as a critical life skill. Under the programme, participating schools will form teams comprising a Child Governor, two Deputy Governors, and a teacher coordinator. Learners will engage in activities that mirror the responsibilities of policymakers at the central bank, including analysing economic issues, developing policy recommendations, and presenting monetary policy positions.

The competition will be conducted at cluster, district, provincial, and national levels, allowing learners from across Zimbabwe to showcase their understanding of financial and economic issues. Participants will also undertake community engagement projects aimed at promoting financial awareness and responsible financial behaviour within their communities.

Education and financial sector experts have long argued that introducing financial literacy at an early age helps young people make informed decisions about saving, budgeting, investing, and entrepreneurship. The RBZ believes the Schools Monetary Policy Challenge will help develop critical thinking, leadership, and public speaking skills while exposing learners to the workings of the country's financial system.

The programme comes as Zimbabwe continues to prioritise financial inclusion and economic education as key pillars of sustainable development. According to the central bank, empowering young people with financial knowledge can contribute to greater economic participation and improved financial decision-making in adulthood.

The Reserve Bank said the initiative aligns with the Government’s Heritage-Based Education 5.0 framework, which emphasises innovation, industrialisation, problem-solving, and practical learning. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is expected to play a central role in implementing the programme nationwide, working closely with schools and education officials to ensure broad participation.

National winners of the Schools Monetary Policy Challenge will be honoured at a special awards ceremony presided over by the RBZ Governor, providing learners with an opportunity to engage directly with policymakers and financial sector leaders. Officials say the programme has the potential to inspire a new generation of financially literate Zimbabweans equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex economic environment.

RBZ Schools Monetary Policy Challenge