Every year, around 39 million children start Grade One in Africa, but the future is bleak for most of them. If they were born poor, it is likely that they will stay poor.

For whilst the continent has almost wholly achieved political freedom, financial independence remains an elusive dream for most Africans.

Sub-Saharan Africa has one of the highest rates of inherited poverty in the world, meaning that its high poverty rate (around 41%) is passed on from generation to generation.

The poorest children - and especially the poorest girls - are condemned to die poor as opportunities go to the children of richer families.

Financial Literacy education introduced in early childhood will help to disrupt generational poverty and create a level playing field for all children to succeed and thrive no matter where they are born. 

We support the CampaignFIA and its patron H.E. Dr Kenneth Kaunda's call for the African Union to lead the process of introducing Financial Literacy education into the Basic Education curriculum in its 55 member states.