Tanzania's government has made financial literacy a priority for young people as part of efforts to achieve the country's Development Vision 2050 ambitions. The initiative aims to strengthen young people's understanding of savings, investment opportunities and financial risks, allowing them to participate more effectively in the country's economic transformation, according to the Minister of State, President's Office (Youth Development) Mr Joel Nanauka.
Mr Nanauka said yesterday in Dar es Salaam that financial education should equip young people to identify investment opportunities, assess risks and manage resources responsibly. He stressed that financial literacy gives young people the knowledge and confidence to manage their finances responsibly, helping them understand the value of saving and identify suitable investment opportunities. However, he cautioned against portraying investment as a shortcut to wealth, emphasising that investors needed to understand the products they selected, their associated costs and risks and how investments aligned with their financial goals. "Before investing, people must understand what they are choosing, the risks involved and their own financial objectives. Investment requires knowledge, patience and a long-term strategy," Mr Nanauka said.
The Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE) Scholar Investment Challenge has emerged as a key vehicle for promoting financial knowledge among students. Since its introduction in 2014, the initiative has attracted 50,000 participants, with 7,883 taking part in the 2025/26 edition. The competition gives students practical exposure to capital markets, helping them understand investment principles and how markets mobilise funds for economic development.
DSE Business Development Manager Mr Emmanuel Nyalali said the challenge formed part of the bourse's broader efforts to expand market access, strengthen digital systems and increase investor participation under its 2023-2027 strategic plan. He said the competition introduced students to capital markets before they became investors, while demonstrating how businesses could raise funds to expand operations, establish projects and create employment opportunities. Mr Nyalali added that developing a strong capital market required informed investors, suitable investment products and accessible services. He said the DSE would continue working with educational institutions and other stakeholders to ensure financial education reaches more young people.