Higher learning institutions in Tanga are set to play an active role in promoting financial literacy during the National Financial Services Week, which will be held at the Usagara grounds in Tanga City.
The commitment was expressed by leaders of various colleges during courtesy visits by a team of financial experts from the Ministry of Finance, conducted ahead of the national event to mobilise academic institutions and encourage participation.
The Director of the Tanga Institute of Accountancy (TIA), Dr Mwita Sospeter Mkami, said financial education is critical for students, noting that many young people face challenges in managing personal finances, particularly those receiving student loans and allowances.
He emphasised that exposure to practical financial knowledge would help students develop responsible spending habits and long-term financial discipline.
Meanwhile, the Principal of the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) Tanga, Mr Gideon Ole Lairumbe, welcomed the decision to host the national event in Tanga Region, describing it as a strategic opportunity for both trainees and instructors to deepen their understanding of financial matters and strengthen their economic readiness.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Finance team, the Chief Economist, Mr Thobias Kanyoki, said the visits aimed to formally invite trainers, students and staff to take part in the financial literacy sessions as part of academic tourism activities during the week.
He noted that the initiative is designed to link learning institutions with the broader financial sector, enabling participants to interact directly with service providers.
He added that the financial literacy programme focuses on enhancing citizens’ capacity to plan expenditures, save and invest, while effectively utilising available economic opportunities.
The initiative is implemented under the National Financial Education Programme and is aligned with the introduction of updated financial literacy content in school curricula.
During the outreach, the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the Office of the Regional Commissioner, visited four institutions: Tanga Public Service College, TIA Tanga, Maasai Tourism College and VETA Tanga.
The National Financial Services Week will bring together banks, insurance companies, capital market institutions, microfinance providers and other key stakeholders, offering the public and the academic community a platform to access financial education and services under one roof.