CAFI, CBL empower business journalists

The Competitiveness and Financial Inclusion (CAFI) project, in partnership with the Central Bank of Lesotho (CBL), has stepped up efforts to improve the quality of business journalism by equipping local reporters with specialised economic reporting skills.

The two-day workshop, recently held in Maseru , brought together journalists from various media houses to strengthen their understanding of business reporting, financial inclusion, investment opportunities and data journalism.

Opening the workshop, CAFI’s Managing Director Chaba Mokuku said the initiative seeks to build a media sector capable of producing accurate, balanced and impactful economic reporting.

He said journalists play an important role in helping the public understand economic developments and should be equipped to report confidently on issues affecting businesses, investments and economic growth.

“We partnered with the Central Bank of Lesotho because it plays a pivotal role in the country’s economic sector and continues to champion financial literacy,” Mokuku said.

He added that CAFI works with several institutions to strengthen reporting on financial stability and economic policy.

“Our goal is to ensure that after this training, journalists have the insight, skills and tools to report accurately and confidently on economic matters,” he said.

CBL’s Chief of Corporate Communication Ephraim Moremoholo said quality economic reporting is increasingly important as issues such as inflation and the rising cost of living affect every Mosotho.

“Accurate journalism translates complex financial data and market trends into information that ordinary citizens can understand,” Moremoholo said.

He added that credible reporting also promotes accountability within government and financial institutions while highlighting business and investment opportunities across the country.

The workshop forms part of CAFI’s broader programme to improve public awareness of economic issues. The six-year, US$52.5 million (about M871.1 million) initiative, funded by the Government of Lesotho and the World Bank, aims to expand access to business development services and financial products for micro, small and medium enterprises, entrepreneurs, women and youth.

So far, CAFI has supported 430 enterprises, incubated 260 businesses and established 10 commercial farms nationwide.

Speaking on behalf of participants, veteran journalist Thabiso Kolotsane said the training had changed journalists’ perceptions of business reporting, which many had previously viewed as too technical.

“As journalists, we pledge not to disappoint. We are now better positioned to communicate economic and financial issues accurately to the public,” Kolotsane said.

Representing the Central Bank, Moroke Moroke encouraged journalists to deepen their understanding of economic issues and produce more feature stories that provide in-depth analysis.

“Feature writing provides the time and space needed to explain complex financial issues and help citizens make informed decisions that affect their daily lives,” Moroke said.

On her part, CAFI’s Public Relations Manager Lihaelo Nkaota thanked participants for their commitment and urged them to apply their new skills responsibly.

“The responsibility now rests with journalists to ensure economic news is disseminated accurately and on time in support of sustainable economic development,” she said.

Seabata Mahao

Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.