Bloomberg Media Initiative Africa opens applications in SA, Nigeria, Kenya

Financial journalists and professionals interested in financial journalism can now apply to the Bloomberg Media Initiative Africa (BMIA) Executive Training Programme 2015. The programme, which is funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, with additional support from the Ford Foundation, brings together the University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) and five other pre-eminent business and journalism schools in Africa, to offer applicants the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge about financial reporting.The Bloomberg Media Initiative Africa Executive Training Program is a comprehensive integrated curriculum around economics, business, journalism and public policy, designed by a consortium of faculty from six leading African universities. The program is intended for early or mid-career journalists, editors, analysts, public and economic policy professionals and university faculty, with an interest in financial journalism, to help them enhance their ability to interpret and explain economic and financial data, to cover critical public policy issues on the continent, and to enhance the financial journalism sector in Africa.Delivered in South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria using business school and journalism faculty, the program will be delivered through short study blocks totaling 18 days over a period of six months.

Program overview

It is well documented that many key economies on the African continent are growing in leaps and bounds, yet the positive impact on development and progress in civil
society is not fully realised. The role that journalism plays in society and democracy cannot be underestimated.

The Bloomberg Media Initiative Africa (BMIA) aims to increase the pipeline of skilled financial journalists and analysts, embracing a data-driven journalism culture across Africa. If well trained, the contribution that financial journalists can make as continental informers, educators and watchdogs is significant.

Who should apply?

• This program has been developed primarily for mid-career journalists, journalists with an interest in moving into financial journalism, financial
• professionals with an interest in financial journalism, government professionals responsible for public policy, communications and banking/financial portfolios, and
• civil society and NGO professionals with a stake in communication of economic and financial data to the public. Gender and ethnic diversity and professional ethics are at the foundation of the Bloomberg Media Initiative Africa Executive Training curriculum and will be a focal point of our recruitment efforts.