Tamweel FinLit Fest 2025: MMA’s Push for Financial Education and Islamic Finance Awareness

The Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) has launched the 2025 Tamweel FinLit Fest, a nationwide initiative aimed at improving financial literacy, promoting responsible money management, and deepening awareness of Islamic finance. The festival, unveiled as part of the central bank’s long-term vision to create a financially informed and values-driven society, will feature six major competitions blending education, creativity, and innovation.

The event lineup includes the FinLit Challenge, EconQuest Debate Competition, Impact Pitch Challenge, FutureFinance Essay Competition, Values & Vision Art Showcase, and the Short Video Challenge. Each activity is designed to engage diverse audiences—particularly students and youth—through a combination of knowledge-building, critical thinking, and creative expression.

Youth at the Forefront of Financial Education

Central to the festival is the FinLit Challenge, a league-style quiz competition for participants aged 18–25, covering topics such as saving, budgeting, halal investing, risk-sharing, and the principles of Islamic finance. The competition seeks to provide young people with practical financial skills while fostering ethical decision-making.

Complementing this is the EconQuest Debate Competition, open to those aged 16–25, which will challenge participants to engage in evidence-based debates on economic issues ranging from sustainability and inclusion to global financial trends. According to the MMA, this platform will not only develop participants’ analytical and communication skills but also strengthen their civic awareness.

Driving Innovation in Islamic Finance

The Impact Pitch Challenge will be among the festival’s flagship events, inviting participants aged 18 and above to present Shariah-compliant innovations that advance financial literacy and inclusion. Focus areas include designing engaging financial literacy tools, creating accessible solutions for underserved communities, and leveraging ethical fintech innovations.

Shortlisted teams will benefit from mentorship programs and bootcamps before presenting their proposals in front of a live audience on 15 November 2025. Top ideas stand a chance to win cash prizes of up to MVR 30,000, alongside potential seed funding, collaboration opportunities, and professional development support.

Blending Creativity and Financial Awareness

To inspire broader engagement, the festival will also open creative platforms such as the FutureFinance Essay Competition for school students, encouraging them to imagine a financial system grounded in values, sustainability, and equity. The Values & Vision Art Showcase will invite visual artists to depict their vision for an ethical and inclusive financial future.

Recognizing the influence of social media, the Short Video Challenge will call for 15–60 second clips tailored for platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts, making financial literacy and Islamic finance concepts accessible and engaging to a wider audience.

Building a Financially Empowered Future

In its announcement, the MMA said the Tamweel FinLit Fest represents a strategic effort to prepare Maldivians for the challenges of an increasingly complex financial world. By combining structured learning with creativity and community participation, the festival aims to cultivate a generation of informed, responsible, and value-conscious citizens.

Details on registration, eligibility, and event timelines are expected to be released in the coming weeks, with the MMA encouraging broad participation from across the Maldives.