Financial Literacy or Financial Inclusion? Which is Which, What is What—To Achieve Uganda’s 10-Fold Economic Growth By 2040

Abstract

With a goal of increasing GDP tenfold by 2040, Uganda's Vision 2040 seeks swift socioeconomic change. Low financial literacy remains a major barrier to achieving inclusive economic growth. This challenge exists despite significant growth in financial inclusion, thanks to innovations in mobile money, community-based financial institutions, and policy changes. Currently, over 60% of Ugandans use mobile money, and access to formal financial services rose from 33% in 2018 to 42% in 2023. Still, nearly 60% of people lack basic knowledge of budgeting, credit management, and investment planning. This gap between access and effective use limits the transformative potential of financial inclusion. This study explores how financial literacy can promote economic empowerment and support financial inclusion through a conceptual reflection approach.
Economic transformation is essential for Uganda's goal to increase its GDP tenfold by 2040. Expanding access to financial services and ensuring that citizens understand how to use these services effectively are both key to this transformation's success. While more than 60% of people now use mobile money, financial literacy remains a significant obstacle. A large portion of the population lacks the basic knowledge needed for sound financial decisions, according to the World Bank (2020) and Bank of Uganda (2022). This reflection shows that financial literacy is vital for realizing the full potential of financial services in Uganda. The paper emphasizes the importance of education, collaboration between public and private sectors, and community-based initiatives in achieving sustainable economic growth. It also offers strategies for integrating financial literacy into national development plans.