Money is one thing the rich and the poor do not have in common. While the rich invest in avenues to create wealth, the poor have a consumption mindset. To break the vicious circle of poverty, a good knowledge of financial literacy is needed. However, knowing is not enough, one must apply. Even though there goes a saying that money cannot buy happiness, the Holy Book buttresses that money answereth everything. Born into an average home, Theresa Chibogu had felt the pangs of poverty. The not-so-good experience motivated her to look for means to break the hold of poverty in her family. She was determined to achieve financial freedom. For her, money would no longer be a master but a servant. She went on a quest to research financial literacy only to discover that it was not an individual problem but deeply associated with African communities. This pushed her to take action and establish KAFI Africa, an initiative geared towards Kicking Against Financial Illiteracy and ending poverty in Africa. Can we shock you? Theresa is not here for games. She is serious about the financial literacy cause she is fighting for. Come December 1st, 2024, she is attempting the Guinness World Book of Records for the longest Financial Literacy lesson ( FinLit-A-Thon), you can join the cause here.  In a relaxed atmosphere, Omote Ro Dhe caught up with Theresa as she took us on a journey on how KAFI Africa came about, why financial literacy of all the causes, what success means to her and more. Read excerpts of this interesting chat below: Can you share your journey toward becoming a financial literacy advocate? What inspired you to focus on promoting financial literacy and sustainable development in Africa? I was born into an average home, and from a young age, I understood what poverty truly meant. The struggles I witnessed and experienced firsthand instilled in me a deep desire to break the cycle of poverty in my family. I wanted to achieve financial freedom, where money works for us instead of constantly working for money. This drive led me to research and discover that financial literacy is a critical skill in reducing poverty. Through my journey of self-education, I realised that a lack of financial literacy was a significant barrier not just for individuals, but for entire communities across Africa. This understanding inspired me to take action. I founded KAFI Africa, an initiative with a clear mission: to Kick Against Financial Illiteracy and end poverty in Africa. Through KAFI Africa, I am dedicated to empowering others with the knowledge and tools they need to achieve financial independence and sustainable development. This initiative is not just a response to my own experiences but a commitment to creating lasting change in communities that need it most. What motivated you to establish KAFI Africa in 2018, and how has the journey been since its inception? In January 2018, I found myself in a difficult financial situation—I was completely broke and had no means to even feed myself. During this challenging time, I stumbled upon an article on Google that profoundly changed my life. It highlighted how financial literacy could significantly improve one’s financial health, and that realization sparked something in me. I’ve always had a passion for teaching, and I wanted to share the transformative power of financial literacy with the people around me. This passion led me to establish KAFI Africa in 2018, with a mission to Kick Against Financial Illiteracy. The journey since then has been both challenging and rewarding. Seeing the impact that financial education can have on individuals and communities has only strengthened my resolve to continue this movement and expand its reach across Africa. In your own words, what is financial literacy, and why is it so crucial, especially for children, teenagers, and women in Africa? Financial literacy is the understanding of financial concepts and the ability to make informed and effective decisions about managing money. It involves knowing how to budget, save, invest, and handle debt, as well as understanding the broader economic factors that impact personal finances. In Africa, financial literacy is especially crucial for children, teenagers, and women because it equips them with the skills and knowledge to break free from the cycle of poverty. For children and teenagers, learning about money early sets the foundation for responsible financial habits that can last a lifetime. It empowers them to make wise decisions as they grow, avoiding the pitfalls of poor financial management. For women, financial literacy is a powerful tool for independence and empowerment. In many parts of Africa, women are often the primary caregivers and managers of household finances. However, they may lack the necessary financial knowledge to make the most of their resources. By becoming financially literate, women can improve their economic standing, provide better opportunities for their families, and contribute more effectively to their communities’ development. Overall, financial literacy is a key factor in driving sustainable economic growth and improving the quality of life for individuals and communities across Africa. The KAFI Africa Tribe focuses on empowering women. Could you elaborate on how this program helps women manage their finances, generate income, and build wealth? The KAFI Africa Tribe is dedicated to empowering women by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to manage their finances, generate income, and build lasting wealth. This program focuses on several key areas to help women achieve financial independence and contribute to their communities’ economic growth. 1. Financial Education: The first step in empowering women is through comprehensive financial education. We offer workshops, seminars, and online resources that teach women the basics of budgeting, saving, investing, and debt management. By understanding these fundamental concepts, women are better equipped to take control of their financial lives and make informed decisions. 2. Entrepreneurship and Income Generation: The KAFI Africa Tribe encourages and supports women in starting and growing their own businesses. We provide training on entrepreneurship, including how to identify business opportunities, develop business plans, and access funding. Through mentorship programs, women can learn from successful entrepreneurs who have walked the same path, giving them the confidence and skills to generate income independently. 3. Wealth Building and Investment: Beyond just earning money, the program emphasizes the importance of building wealth. We educate women on different investment options, such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and savings plans, helping them understand how to grow their money over time. The goal is to shift the focus from just making ends meet to creating long-term financial security and prosperity. 4. Community Support and Networking: The KAFI Africa Tribe creates a supportive community where women can connect, share experiences, and learn from each other. This network is crucial for building confidence and fostering a sense of belonging. Through group activities, peer mentoring, and collaborative projects, women are encouraged to support one another in their financial journeys. 5. Advocacy and Awareness: Finally, the program advocates for women’s financial rights and raises awareness about the importance of financial literacy. By promoting policies that support women’s economic empowerment and challenging societal norms that limit women’s financial opportunities, the KAFI Africa Tribe is working to create a more equitable environment where women can thrive. Through these initiatives, the KAFI Africa Tribe helps women not only manage their finances effectively but also unlock opportunities for income generation and wealth creation. This empowerment is key to breaking the cycle of poverty and enabling women to achieve lasting financial independence. If you could have any superpower to help you in your work, what would it be and why? If I could have any superpower to help in my work, it would be the ability to instantly impart financial knowledge and skills to anyone I meet. This superpower would allow me to break down the barriers of financial illiteracy in a flash, giving people the understanding and confidence they need to manage their money effectively. This ability would be transformative, especially in communities where access to financial education is limited. By instantly equipping individuals, particularly women and young people, with the knowledge to make sound financial decisions, I could accelerate the process of economic empowerment and poverty reduction across Africa. It would enable me to create a ripple effect, where empowered individuals can pass on their knowledge to others, building a financially literate society at an incredible pace. What are some of the biggest challenges you've encountered in promoting financial literacy, and how have you overcome them?   Promoting financial literacy has been an incredibly fulfilling mission, but it hasn’t been without its challenges. Some of the most significant obstacles I’ve faced include: 1. Resistance to Change: Many people are accustomed to managing their finances—or lack thereof—in certain ways, often passed down through generations. Changing these entrenched habits and attitudes can be difficult. To address this, I’ve found that storytelling and real-life examples are powerful tools. By sharing relatable stories of individuals who have transformed their financial lives through education, I can gradually shift perspectives and inspire others to take action. 2. Lack of Trust in Financial Institutions: In many communities, there’s a deep mistrust of financial institutions due to past experiences with corruption, scams, or simply a lack of understanding of how these systems work. Overcoming this distrust requires building relationships at the grassroots level. I focus on creating partnerships with local organisations and respected community figures who can vouch for the programs and provide a trusted bridge between the community and financial education initiatives. 3. Limited Financial Infrastructure: In some areas, the basic financial infrastructure—such as banks, ATMs, or even reliable internet access—is lacking, making it hard for people to put financial literacy into practice. To overcome this, I’ve had to innovate, often relying on mobile technology to deliver education and connect people to financial services. For example, using mobile money platforms allows people to save and transfer money even in remote areas, bringing the benefits of financial literacy to places where traditional banking isn’t available. 4. Educational Barriers: Many individuals, especially in rural areas, have limited formal education, making it challenging to teach complex financial concepts. To address this, I simplify the content, using practical examples and visual aids that resonate with everyday experiences. I also focus on experiential learning, where participants can practice budgeting, saving, and investing through role-playing or community-based activities, which helps reinforce the concepts in a more digestible way. 5. Funding and Resources: Securing consistent funding and resources to sustain financial literacy programs is a constant challenge. I’ve had to be creative in finding ways to do more with less, often relying on volunteer networks, partnerships, and local sponsorships. Additionally, by demonstrating the impact of these programs through measurable outcomes, I’ve been able to attract more support and build a case for long-term investment in financial education. Despite these challenges, the positive impact I’ve seen keeps me motivated. By adapting to the unique needs and circumstances of each community, I’ve been able to overcome these obstacles and continue pushing forward with the mission of empowering people through financial literacy. Each hurdle has strengthened my resolve and taught me valuable lessons about persistence, innovation, and the power of education. Success is relative. What does it mean to you?  Success, to me, is about creating meaningful and lasting impact in the lives of others. It’s not just about achieving personal goals or financial stability; it’s about empowering people, especially those who have been marginalized, to realize their potential and improve their circumstances. When I see individuals and communities that I’ve worked with gaining confidence, making informed financial decisions, and breaking out of the cycle of poverty, that’s true success. Success is also about growth—both personally and in the work I do. It means continuously learning, adapting, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. It’s about resilience in the face of challenges and finding fulfillment in the journey, not just the destination. Ultimately, success is measured by the positive change I help create and the legacy I leave behind. What advice do you have for younger girls pursuing purpose? My advice for younger girls pursuing their purpose is to believe in themselves and trust that their dreams are valid. Start by understanding who you are and what truly matters to you, your passions, values, and the impact you want to make in the world. Don’t be afraid to dream big, even if others don’t immediately see your vision. Stay curious and committed to learning, whether through education, mentorship, or life experiences. Surround yourself with people who support and inspire you, and seek out mentors who can guide you on your journey. Remember, setbacks are a part of the process; they are opportunities to learn and grow stronger. Most importantly, be resilient and persistent. The road to fulfilling your purpose may not always be easy, but your determination and hard work will pay off. Use your voice, share your story, and never underestimate the power you have to create change. As you pursue your purpose, always remember that you are capable of achieving great things and that your contributions can make a difference in the world.

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