A South African board game designed to teach financial literacy is set to launch nationwide at Exclusive Books stores on 7 April 2026, marking a significant milestone for locally developed educational innovation.
FinMaster, created by financial education company Fintr, aims to help players better understand investing, saving and wealth-building through an engaging strategy-based format.
The game, designed for players aged 13 and older, challenges participants to build diversified portfolios, respond to market changes and grow their net worth. Local references such as Load Shedding and Cabinet Reshuffle cards introduce uniquely South African elements that make the experience both relatable and practical.
FinMaster has already received international recognition, placing second at the International Educational Games Competition in Norway in 2025.
The idea began as a simple pizza-box prototype developed by co-founders Elijah and Danei Rall, both industrial engineers, who identified a gap in accessible financial education while still at university.
The founders say the concept emerged from their own experiences of needing to learn about money independently.
During a university innovation challenge linked to the economic impact of Covid-19, the pair initially considered building a financial literacy app. However, interest in an early board game prototype encouraged them to further develop the concept into a product that could make financial education more accessible to younger generations.
Over 18 months, the game underwent multiple rounds of testing and redesign, with feedback from early users helping shape the final version.
According to the developers, the game has demonstrated behavioural impact beyond gameplay. Some players have reported increased interest in budgeting, investing and saving, while parents have noted greater engagement from young people in conversations about money.
The game has also attracted attention from the global board game community, including feedback from designers and enthusiasts attending international conventions such as Spiel Essen.
FinMaster will be available in all 45 Exclusive Books stores nationwide from 7 April, with additional availability through online platforms including Takealot and the Fintr website.
