Financial Literacy Drives Rural Development Action

By Andile Vundla

Financial literacy outreach programmes by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe (SecZim) have exposed critical development gaps in rural communities, prompting direct investment in essential services such as clean water.

This was revealed by Miniater of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Professor Mthuli Ncube during the commissioning of a solar-powered community borehole and nutrition garden in Mhlasi Village, Ward 21 Kezi, Matobo North, Matabeleland South on Saturday.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Professor Ncube said engagements conducted during capital markets education campaigns highlighted that many communities prioritise basic needs over financial investment opportunities.

“As we travel across Zimbabwe executing stakeholder awareness initiatives, we meet communities whose greatest concern is not the stock exchange, but basic needs such as clean and reliable water,” he said.

He added that such findings have influenced a shift towards practical interventions alongside financial education.

“We cannot speak of progress while ignoring such important needs,” said Professor Ncube.

The borehole project, implemented by SecZim in partnership with Arctic Blue Asset Management, forms part of a broader corporate social responsibility programme targeting vulnerable communities across the country.

The facility includes a solar-powered pump, 10 000 litre water storage tanks, a nutrition garden and is expected to provide access to water to 432 households.

In an interview with SkyzMetro FM on the sidelines of the event, SecZim Acting CEO Grace Berejena, said the initiative reflects the Commission’s commitment to both investor education and community development.

“It’s not just about the capital market, but also about contributing to the communities where our investors come from,” she said.

“We believe our market exists by the grace of our investors, so it is important to give back.”

Berejena said the project, estimated at between US$12 000 and US$15 000, is expected to improve livelihoods by enhancing access to clean water and supporting household nutrition.

SecZim also indicated that its outreach programmes have reached nearly 1 900 students and teachers in Matabeleland South, combining financial literacy with community engagement.

Delivering remarks on behalf of SecZim, Commissioner Professor Mabutho Sibanda said the project reflects the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that capital markets contribute meaningfully to community welfare.

He noted that while capital markets focus on mobilising investment for economic growth, they must also respond to immediate challenges affecting communities.

Meanwhile Villagers of Mhlasi welcomed the initiative that is already reaping great rewards with a nutritional garden in the area already benefiting 45 villagers in the area.

One villager Bhekisisa Moyo commended the initiative saying that it will go a long way in alleviating water challenges in the area which at times forced residents to travel as long as 6km to get water.

Another villager, Betty Sibanda echoed the same sentiments, stating that the availability of the borehole in the area alongside the nutrition garden will play a key role in providing people with activities that can boost income generation as well as creating employment for the villagers and youths in the district.

Meanwhile, the Commission says it will continue rolling out similar initiatives nationwide, integrating capital market education with development support in underserved areas.

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