High Court Judge Isaya Arufani Kweka has urged the Tanzanian Ministry of Finance to scale up efforts in delivering targeted financial education particularly to civil servants nearing retirement in a bid to safeguard their financial security post-employment.
Speaking during a visit to the Ministry's pavilion at the 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), Justice Kweka underscored the importance of structured financial literacy programmes, warning that the absence of such initiatives often leaves retirees vulnerable to poverty.
“Many retirees deplete their pensions within a short time due to poor financial planning. Without proper education, they fall into economic distress, often unable to sustain even basic livelihoods,” said the judge.
Justice Kweka called on the Ministry to use diverse platforms including public service gatherings to ensure that financial knowledge reaches those approaching retirement, as well as the wider public.
In response, Benny Mwaipaja, Head of Government Communications at the Ministry of Finance, said the Ministry has so far extended financial education campaigns to 17 regions across mainland Tanzania, reaching both urban and rural communities.
“We take the judge’s recommendations seriously. The financial literacy initiative is ongoing and has already yielded promising outcomes. We’re witnessing improved financial behaviours among citizens who’ve undergone training,” said Mwaipaja.
He noted that the education drive has helped address the spread of predatory lending where borrowers unknowingly fall victim to high-interest loans and unsafe financial products due to a lack of understanding.
“The Ministry has also institutionalised pre-retirement training sessions for public servants six months ahead of their retirement. These include modules on savings, investment, and managing pension payouts,” he added.
The Finance Ministry’s pavilion at the DITF has been staffed with experts in finance and economics, offering on-site advisory services to the public.
Visitors to the pavilion are encouraged to make the most of the opportunity to learn more about personal financial planning.
Justice Kweka’s remarks come amid broader government efforts to strengthen financial inclusion and economic empowerment through informed decision-making.
As Tanzania faces growing demands for retirement preparedness in an evolving economic landscape, officials say financial education remains key to preventing old-age poverty and promoting long-term resilience.