JA Africa: Junior Billionaire's Club

More than 60 percent of Africa’s population is under the age of 25. At the same time, as the microfinance boom has enabled easy access to capital, young Africans are being targeted by financial scams and unscrupulous lending. The solution? Develop financial literacy and resilience among Africa’s 600 million youth. 

During 2022, JA Africa and The Richer Media signed a partnership to produce The Junior Billionaires Club, an animated TV series designed to teach children across Africa about financial health and wealth. By combining elements from The Richer Kids Club and JA’s entrepreneurship and financial-literacy offerings, young Africans who watch and participate in the show develop the knowledge and skills to make informed financial, business, career, and life decisions. 

The series features Lola, a 12-year-old Nigeria girl, and Kweku-Sika, a 10-year-old Ghanaian boy. The two animated characters go on adventures, through which they learn important financial lessons and grow in their leadership skills, civic awareness, and knowledge of African geography and history. 

According to Simi Nwogugu, CEO of JA Africa, “Expanding financial literacy across the continent is a key area of focus at JA Africa. This animated series gives us the opportunity to reach and educate millions of African children and young adults, especially those in hard-to-reach communities who may not have access to JA’s classroom programs or digital activities. 

“The series also spotlights inspiring African leaders,” Simi continues, “not only to celebrate them, but also to show young Africans that the continent has role models they can aspire to be like. It is our hope that schools across Africa will set up Junior Billionaires Clubs to inspire their students.” 

Once fully developed, the series will air in English, French, and Portuguese on traditional and digital-media channels.