Mbabane- Persons living with disabilities are set to gain improved access to financial education and consumer protection services following the renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Office of the Ombudsman for Financial Services (OFS) and the Federation of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities in Eswatini (FODSWA), a move aimed at strengthening financial inclusion and expanding participation in the economy.
Speaking during the signing ceremony on Tuesday, OFS representative Nondumiso Simelane said the renewed agreement reflects the institution’s commitment to ensuring that every consumer, regardless of disability, can access fair, free and accessible financial services.
She said financial inclusion cannot be achieved if consumers are unable to obtain financial information or seek assistance because of physical, communication or digital barriers.
As part of the renewed partnership, the OFS will integrate its financial consumer awareness programmes into FODSWA’s nationwide network, allowing financial education initiatives to reach more persons with disabilities across the country.
The office will also produce educational materials in Braille to improve access to financial information for visually impaired consumers while working with FODSWA to identify and remove barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from accessing financial services and consumer protection mechanisms.
Simelane said empowering persons with disabilities through financial education helps reduce their vulnerability to financial exploitation while enabling them to make informed financial decisions and participate more meaningfully in the country’s economy.
She added that financial inclusion goes beyond access to banking services and requires consumers to understand and exercise their financial rights.
Welcoming the partnership, FODSWA Acting Chairperson Elliot Shongwe said an inclusive financial system depends on both consumers and financial institutions having access to trusted dispute resolution mechanisms.
He said the federation remains committed to supporting the Ombudsman’s vision of ensuring that persons living with disabilities can confidently access financial services and resolve disputes without discrimination.
The renewed agreement forms part of broader efforts to build a more inclusive financial sector by ensuring that financial consumer protection services are accessible to all citizens, while strengthening confidence in Eswatini’s financial system and encouraging wider economic participation.
Discussion about this post