Felicia Dlamini-Kunene: Mandela's house on fire

Speech by Ms Felicia Dlamini-Kunene, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Eswatini, at the 2025 Global Money Week Educational Fair, Ezulwini, 19 March 2025.

The views expressed in this speech are those of the speaker and not the view of the BIS.

• Programme Director,
• Our Teachers,
• Policy Makers,
• Financial Institutions,
• Distinguished Guests,
• Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Morning!

Introduction

It is a great pleasure to stand before you today as we continue our celebration of the 2025 Global Money Week. This initiative is an essential part of our commitment to equipping young minds with financial knowledge, enabling them to make informed decisions about money and secure their financial future.

The importance of financial literacy is not just about managing money-it is about making wise choices that will shape the rest of your life. In today's fast-changing economic landscape, understanding how to budget, save, invest, and make responsible financial decisions is more critical than ever. The habits and financial decisions you make today will determine the opportunities available to you tomorrow.

As young people, you are the future of Eswatini. You will become business leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers. With the right financial skills, you will not only be able to manage your own finances effectively but also contribute to the economic growth and stability of our country.

The Role of Social Media in Financial Education

In today's digital landscape, social media plays a significant role in shaping perspectives and influencing financial behaviours. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X provide an abundance of financial advice, investment tips, and opportunities for economic empowerment. However, it is crucial to be selective on what information you consumefrom these platforms.

Not all financial advice you find online is accurate or beneficial. Some influencers promote unrealistic lifestyles, risky financial schemes, and misleading investment opportunities. I urge you all to think critically before following financial trends online. Always seek verified and credible financial advice before making any financial decisions. Remember, being financially literate means being able to distinguish between sound financial guidance and deceptive information.

While you carefully select sound advice on social media, you must also be mindful of what you post on these platforms, as your words can have lasting, unintended consequences.Your online presence can have a significant impact on your personal and professional life. Remember, once something is posted online, it can be difficult to erase completely. Google never forgets. What you share today could potentially affect your future employment opportunities.

The Power of Budgeting and Saving

One of the simplest yet most effective financial principles is budgeting. Knowing how to manage your income, track expenses, and prioritize savings is the foundation of financial security. Cultivating a habit of saving-even in small amounts-builds discipline and ensures you are prepared for unexpected financial needs.

I encourage you to set financial goals, whether it is saving for higher education, starting a small business, or investing in your future. Developing good financial habits now will ensure a more secure and independent future.

Opportunities for Financial Growth

As part of this year's Global Money Week, we are excited to offer various educational sessions, workshops, and interactive activities that will provide practical knowledge on financial management. I encourage each of you to participate actively, ask questions, and absorb as much knowledge as possible. This educational fair is not just an event; it is astepping stone toward financial empowerment.

My Personal Journey

Programme Director, allow me to share a personal story that shaped my financial journey. I grew up in Moneni, on the outskirts of Manzini, raised by my beloved grandmother. She was a woman of immense wisdom and discipline, and from an early age, she taught me the value of money. In our household, every cent had a purpose. She believed in saving before spending, and she would always remind me, "Even the smallest coin has power when used wisely."

I remember vividly how she would store spare change in a tin, and at the end of each month, she would count it and allocate it to different needs-some for groceries, some for emergencies, and always a portion for savings. Watching her manage our limited resources with such discipline left an indelible mark on me. Her lessons became the foundation of my financial habits, guiding me through my education and professional career.

From those humble beginnings, I worked hard to rise through the ranks-first as an Economist, later working with institutions such as the IMF,World Bank, AfDBand now I am standing before you as the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Eswatini. My journey has taught me that financial discipline and perseverance are the keys to breaking barriers and achieving one's dreams.

My hope is that my story will serve as a beacon of encouragement to each of you. No matter where you come from, no matter how humble your beginnings, financial disciplinecombined with determination can open doors you never thought possible. The key is to start now-start saving, start planning, and start making wise financial decisions.

A Call to Action

To our educators, financial institutions, and policymakers, I urge you to continue working together in fostering financial literacy among our youth. The Central Bank of Eswatini remains committed to advocating for the inclusion of financial literacy in ournational curriculum to ensure that every child is equipped with this essential life skill.

To our young learners, I challenge you to take the knowledge you gain here and apply it in your daily lives. Share what you learn with your friends and family, and make a conscious effort to make wise financial choices. Your financial future is in your hands, the decisions you make today will shape the opportunities you have tomorrow.

As I conclude, let us remember that financial literacy is not a one-time lesson but a lifelong journey. By equipping ourselves with knowledge, making informed decisions, and cultivating responsible financial habits, we can all contribute to a more financially resilient and prosperous Eswatini.

Thank you, and enjoy the rest of the Educational Fair!