Mauritius Takes Significant Step Towards Improving Financial Literacy and Education
The Bank of Mauritius has launched its highly anticipated Financial Literacy Strategy, aimed at educating consumers across different age groups on how to make informed decisions when it comes to managing their finances.
Importance of Financial Literacy
Governor Harvesh Seegolam of the Bank of Mauritius emphasized the importance of educating and protecting consumers in a rapidly evolving banking landscape. The strategy has been designed to cater to a wide range of audiences, with content that is both relevant and accessible.
Keynote Speaker
Ms Flore-Anne Messy, Executive Secretary of the OECD International Network for Financial Education, commended the Bank of Mauritius for its efforts to increase financial literacy in the country through its National Financial Literacy and Inclusion campaign. She noted that the bank’s initiatives will undoubtedly contribute to enhancing the financial resilience and well-being of individuals and households.
Panel Discussion
A panel discussion, titled ‘Financial Literacy in a Digital Era,’ was also held during the event. The panel featured notable experts in the field, including:
- Mrs Hemlata Sadhna Sewraj-Gopal, Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Mauritius
- Dr Vera Songwe, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
- Dr Robert Wardrop, Director and co-founder of the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance at the University of Cambridge
- Mr John Cusack, Chairman of the Global Coalition to Fight Financial Crime
New Online Resources
As part of the strategy’s launch, the Bank of Mauritius has also introduced a dedicated Financial Literacy section on its website. The first electronic booklet in a series of consumer education materials was launched during the event, with additional informative documents set to be uploaded on a fortnightly basis.
Conclusion
The launch of the Financial Literacy Strategy marks an important milestone in Mauritius’s efforts to improve financial literacy and education. With this initiative, the Bank of Mauritius is poised to play a significant role in empowering citizens with the knowledge they need to make informed financial decisions and achieve their goals.