Published: 11 June 2025

Preparations are at an advanced stage for this year's Capital Markets High School Quiz Competition, which will see 40 schools from across Zimbabwe compete when the event kicks off tomorrow. This marks a significant increase from last year's 20 participating schools, highlighting growing enthusiasm and support for the annual financial literacy contest.

The competition is organised by Zimpapers in partnership with the Financial Markets Indaba (FMI), with technical support from key institutions including the Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange, Securities Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Stock Exchange, Chengetedzai Depository Company, and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.

In an interview, Mr Herbert Zharare, Business Hub and Events Editor at Zimpapers, said preparations were progressing smoothly. He emphasised the importance of the competition in building a financially literate Zimbabwe, explaining that the aim is to equip young learners with the knowledge they need to understand financial matters early on. "A financially illiterate society is doomed and can easily be exploited. We want our children to be torchbearers and future architects who can cut lucrative deals for the country," he said.

The event has attracted robust corporate sponsorship, with companies such as Old Mutual Zimbabwe, POSB, Delta, Innscor, ZimSwitch, Tanganda, and Tika Shoes backing the initiative. Organisers are still welcoming sponsorship opportunities to ensure the competition's success.

Defending champions Munashe High School from Murehwa will be aiming to retain their title, facing competition from the 2023 champions, Errymaple High International School from Zvishavane, and the 2022 champions, Dominican Convent Bulawayo, who are also competing this year.

Mr Patrick Muzondo, Managing Director of FMI, highlighted that the quiz's key objectives are to promote financial literacy among students at an early age, laying a foundation for informed financial decision-making that supports long-term economic development. He also noted that teacher training sessions held prior to the competition help create a sustainable knowledge base across schools, ensuring the initiative's benefits extend beyond the quiz itself.

Now in its fourth year, the Capital Markets High School Quiz Competition directly supports FMI's strategy of building a robust and inclusive capital market by engaging youth early. Mr Muzondo explained that cultivating interest and understanding of capital markets among young people encourages greater participation in local stock exchanges in the future. He described the competition as a crucial pillar in the broader commitment to investment promotion and financial education, empowering the next generation to contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe's economic growth.

People's Own Savings Bank (POSB), celebrating its 120th anniversary this year, remains a proud sponsor of the quiz competition. POSB Chief Executive Officer Mr Garainashe Changunda said the event aligns perfectly with their mission to promote financial inclusion and literacy nationwide. He stated that their commitment to empowering young people with essential financial knowledge, skills, and tools aims to prepare students for entrepreneurship and financial independence as they transition beyond school.

As the competition gets underway, Zimbabwe's youth are poised to sharpen their financial knowledge and compete for national honours in this important educational initiative.
- zimpapers

You might also want to read this

• Markets headed for stormy months
• ZSE Market Report: A good start for Zimbabwe markets as well