Global Money Week (GMW) is an annual global awareness-raising campaign led by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to ensure that young people, from an early age, are financially aware and gradually acquiring the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors necessary to make sound financial decisions. Ultimately, the aim is to support long-term financial well-being and economic independence for the next generation.
This year’s theme — “Think Before You Follow, Wise Money Tomorrow” — encourages young people to critically assess financial decisions, especially in today’s fast-paced, digitally influenced world. It emphasizes the value of reflection over impulse, and understanding over imitation, particularly in matters related to money.
Junior Achievement (JA) across Africa marked Global Money Week 2025 with impactful and engaging activities in various countries, all geared toward equipping youth with the tools to navigate their financial futures with confidence.
In South Africa, JA took part in a radio talk show titled “Building Thriving Communities”. The conversation, held in Rustenburg, featured Zipporah Segabetla, JA South Africa’s Programs Agent, who shared insights into JA’s financial literacy efforts and how they’re shaping money-smart communities.
JA Ghana celebrated Global Money Week with interactive financial literacy activities, including street interviews where individuals shared their personal money experiences. In partnership with AIESEC and Prudential Life Insurance Ghana, they hosted a panel discussion featuring experts who shared practical tips on smart investing and how to avoid financial scams. The week wrapped up with a school outreach at Faith Community Baptist School, where 295 students engaged in hands-on learning using Cha-Ching videos to explore the concepts of earning, saving, spending, and donating.
In Nigeria, Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN) led several initiatives to celebrate the week. JAN and its students were hosted at the Central Bank of Nigeria headquarters for a financial literacy trade fair and learning session on finance management. Additionally, JAN organized a money-themed quiz for primary school pupils and convened secondary school students from across Lagos for an interactive session with representatives from Nigerian banks, offering real-world insights into banking and personal finance.
JA Eswatini officially launched their #GMW celebration with a testimonial from a Grade 5 student named Vuyisile, who shared, “I’ve learnt how to save money for things I really want, instead of spending it all at once.” Her words reflected the core message of the campaign. Throughout the week, primary and high schools across Eswatini’s regions participated in various financial literacy events, engaging directly with financial institutions and applying lessons from JA programs.
JA Zimbabwe conducted a series of school outreach activities, bringing financial education into classrooms and sparking conversations about money management among children across several schools.
JA Zambia carried out a school outreach at Nyumba Yanga Primary School and wrapped up their Global Money Week activities with a celebration attended by over 300 students. The event combined fun with learning, creating a space where students could explore essential money concepts such as budgeting, saving, and goal setting through engaging activities.
Financial literacy is a foundational skill that shapes how individuals manage money throughout their lives. Introducing these principles early helps young people grow into adults who are financially responsible, better equipped to avoid debt, make informed choices, and plan for their futures.Start your child’s financial journey today with the Cha-Ching Money Show with Adanna & Emeka on YouTube — a fun and educational series that teaches kids how to Earn, Save, Spend, and Donate. #GlobalMoneyWeek #GMW2025 #ChaChingMoneyShow
