Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) has launched an initiative to educate secondary school-going pupils about financial crimes, targeting schools in and around Francistown.

The initiative, dubbed: A Walk Against Youth Involvement in Financial Crimes, aims to raise awareness among the youth on the dangers of financial crimes, and how to avoid them. 

FIA spokesperson, Mr Milidzani Gaabupiwe, said the agency has discovered that the youth were increasingly using the internet to commit money laundering or become victims of it.

“Targeting the youth is paramount in this campaign to catch them young, as they form the backbone of our society as future leaders and are often caught between the lines when it comes to financial crimes and financing terrorism,” he said.

Mr Gaabupiwe said that financial crime and financing terrorism were significant concerns globally, affecting not only individuals but also economies. 

He noted that Botswana’s experience with grey listing due to financial crimes makes this initiative crucial in preparing the country to avoid similar situations in the future, particularly ahead of the 2027 mutual evaluation.

FIA has already engaged with various schools in Francistown and plans to hold a large-scale walk on September 20 at the Francistown Old Stadium. 

The event will feature stalls from financial institutions and law enforcement agencies, educating the public on financial crimes and terrorism and how to avoid them. 

Mr Gaabupiwe said the initiative was part of FIA’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness about financial crimes, which included radio campaigns and road shows in the past.  ENDS