The first Namibia intake of the Bloomberg Media Initiative Africa Financial Journalism Training Programme has officially been launched.
It commences with 60 journalists and communication professionals selected from more than 800 applicants.
|"The programme, launched in Windhoek in partnership with Strathmore Business School, the Namibia University of Science and Technology and the International University of Management, aims to equip journalists with skills in data analysis, financial markets and economics - strengthening the capacity for more informed, data-driven financial reporting," states nbc reporter Tania Katamila.
Namibia becomes the 10th African country to host the programme, with the support from the Bank of Namibia.
Speaking on behalf of the Governor of the bank, Ebson Uanguta, Advisor Romeo Nel says accurate and independent financial reporting contributes to public confidence and financial stability.
"Financial journalism, therefore, is part of the infrastructure of pricing financial stability. Not by carrying the central bank's narrative, but by turning data into understanding, building financial literacy and subjecting institutions to scrutiny, that makes public confidence durable rather than assumed."
ICT Minister Emma Theofelus says financial journalists must be able to interrogate data, provide context and explain economic developments in ways that ordinary citizens can understand.
"Through this programme, we're strengthening Namibian journalists' capacity to interpret financial data, assess investments, and explain the economic and financial implications of ICT and other national development priorities."
Bloomberg representative Ndivhuwo Nemukula says the programme has already trained more than 1,000 journalists and communication professionals from 21 countries.
"Bloomberg is proud to welcome Namibian institutions to this growing academic network of African universities offering financial journalism at the postgraduate level, further expanding our collective efforts to support high-quality financial journalism across Africa."
Participants say they are looking forward to strengthening their understanding of the economy and applying the skills to their respective newsrooms.
Business Desk Head at The Namibian newspaper, Shania Lazarus, said, "We do expect that we, the journalists that are going to be taking part in this course,, are going to have a better understanding and a broader understanding of almost all the sectors of the economy and finance. Out
"Financial journalism is key, and I look forward to interpreting the repo rates and everything learned from the financial institution into our radio programming," added UNAM Radio Station Manager, Choolwe Siachoono.
The graduation is scheduled for May 2027.