At just ten years old, Nigerian tech prodigy Zaq Isa is emerging as one of the country’s youngest champions of financial literacy. The young entrepreneur has developed a smart savings app, Kids Future Funds Hub (KFFH), and published a book titled Zaqonomics: Financial Literacy for Kids — both designed to help children understand how to earn, save, spend, invest, and give.
Zaq’s brand, Zaqonomics, is itself symbolic. A fusion of his full name, Abdulrazaq, and economics, the title reflects his mission to simplify finance for children. “I wanted something that shows it’s about me and about money,” he explained. “Kids like me should learn how to save and be rich in the future without depending on their parents.”
His journey began during a family summer holiday when the household had no domestic help. Wanting to assist his mother, Zaq cleaned the kitchen — and earned $20 for the effort. Intrigued, he continued saving. Months later, when he finally broke his piggy bank, he discovered he had accumulated about $70. That moment sparked what would become his first major idea. “When I saw the money, I realized kids can actually make and save a lot if they understand how,” he said. “That’s when Zaqonomics was born.”
Mr. Craig Heaton, The Head Teacher of St. Saviour’s School, Ikoyi, Mr. Abdulrazaq Isa, Zaq’s Dad and The Executive Chairman of the Waltersmith Group, The Author and App Creator, Zaq Isa, Dr. Kate Isa, Zaq’s Mom and the CEO of The Katchey Group, and Apostle Obii Pax-Harry, Zaq’s Coach and The Founder of Nehemiah Resource Centre and Kingdom Kids Club.
From that simple revelation came a bigger vision: creating digital tools that could help children everywhere develop healthy money habits. Supported by his mother, Dr. Kate Isa, and the rest of his family, Zaq repeatedly pitched the concept for what would become KFFH. When hiring a professional developer proved too costly, he refused to abandon the project. Instead, he taught himself to code using app-building software and invested US$245—his own savings combined with contributions from his family—into developing the first version.
Throughout the process, Zaq’s parents enforced a strict structure: only one hour of screen time per day. Ironically, this limitation sharpened his discipline. Dr. Isa believes that clear boundaries were instrumental to his progress. “Every child needs well-defined boundaries … Discipline engenders mutual respect and a feeling of security and worth,” she said.
With his app completed, Zaq has already begun speaking directly with financial institutions. He recently pitched KFFH to Zenith Bank, proposing a collaboration that would allow children to use smart savings tools alongside debit cards — giving young users real-world financial experience in a controlled environment.
His book, Zaqonomics, expands the same mission. It uses relatable chores, everyday decisions, puzzles, word searches, and activities to teach children how money works. It also includes practical exercises for both kids and parents, emphasizing financial habits that can last a lifetime.
Industry observers say Zaq’s innovation taps into a growing global shift toward early financial literacy. Across Nigeria, fintech startups and microfinance institutions are increasingly targeting young learners. On a continental scale, platforms like Money Africa Kids and other edtech initiatives are helping children build strong financial foundations from an early age.
For Dr. Isa, her son’s journey carries a powerful message for families. “Take children seriously and support them,” she said. “Greatness lies within, waiting to be unleashed.”
With Zaqonomics and the Kids Future Funds Hub, Zaq is not only charting his own entrepreneurial path — he is inspiring an entire generation of children to take control of their financial futures.
