Financial Literacy and Personal Finance Behaviour Among Zambian Civil Servants: A Case Study from the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, Zambia

Aissata Mwansa Bah, Ikabongo Mwiya, Nicholas Odongo

Abstract: This study investigates the relationship between financial literacy and personal financial behavior among civil servants in Zambia, focusing on those at the Ministry of Finance and National Planning. Using a concurrent mixed-methods approach, data were collected via a structured electronic questionnaire distributed to a stratified random sample of thirty officials with over five years of service. Analysis included descriptive statistics, ordinal logistic regression, Chi-square tests, and thematic analysis of open-ended responses. Findings reveal a strong positive relationship between financial literacy and sound financial practices such as goal-setting, formal investment, and proactive financial planning. In contrast, informal saving methods and lack of investment were associated with lower literacy. Respondents expressed a strong desire for practical financial education, particularly in budgeting, debt, and investment management. The study underscores the need for targeted financial literacy interventions to enhance decision-making and economic resilience among public sector employees.

Keywords: Financial literacy, civil servants, debt management, investment behavior, Zambia

How to Cite?: Aissata Mwansa Bah, Ikabongo Mwiya, Nicholas Odongo, "Financial Literacy and Personal Finance Behaviour Among Zambian Civil Servants: A Case Study from the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, Zambia", Volume 14 Issue 12, December 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 2179-2185, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251222183646, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251222183646